Observation of fine structures of nanodomains in donor-modified Pb(Zr,Ti)O-3 ferroelectrics

A nanodomain morphology comprising fine structures of less than 5 nm spacin g was observed in oxygen deficient lead zirconate titanates modified by La, Ca, and Sr. Oxidation of samples can eliminate the fine structures and fac ilitate polarization switching. Although grain growth after high temperatur e annealing results in normal domain morphology and complete polarization s witching, irregular and fragmented domains remain. These fine domain struct ures were explained in terms of local polarization pinning due to oxygen va cancies and antisite substitutents. (C) 2000 American Vacuum Society. [S073 4-211X(00)04704-1].