Electron emission spectra from lead zirconate titanate ferroelectric filmson stainless-steel substrates

Emission of electrons from lead zirconate titanate films was measured using excitation voltage pulses of different waveforms. Time-resolved measuremen ts of the emission, voltage, and circuit current were conducted simultaneou sly. Electron emission spectra excited by a sine-wave voltage exhibited two distinguishable peaks arising every second half period of the applied volt age. Electron emission was also induced by film excitation with either squa re-wave voltage below coercive field, or unipolar pulses of appropriate pol arity. The peculiarities of the emission are considered in terms of reversa l of both induced (dielectric) and spontaneous (ferroelectric) polarization . Excitation of the electron emission in the "inversion of induced charge'' mode seems to eliminate problems associated with reversal of spontaneous p olarization as fatigue and necessity of resetting. (C) 1998 American Instit ute of Physics. [S0003-6951(98)01752-5].