Charge release at the F-RL-F-RH transition of rhombohedral PZT as functionof composition

Pyroelectric charge measurements have been performed in Nb-doped Pb(Zr1-xTi x)O-3 along the phase boundary between the F-RL and F-RH phases (T-LH). These compositions are difficult to characterize by means of hysteresis loo ps because of the high coercive field at T approximate to T-LH. Therefore d irect measurements of the jump in spontaneous polarization around T-LH by m eans of the system described in this work is especially useful. An experimental computer-controlled setup for precise charge release measur ements in high conductivity f.e. materials has been used. It allows to meas ure the pyroelectric response in perovskite-type ceramics with slow tempera ture rates and accurate temperature determination. It includes a switches s ystem permitting poling and charge integration alternative cly.