Space charge and thermal depolarization currents in PZT thin films

Space-charge effects in PZT thin films obtained by rf cathode sputtering we re studied. There is evidence that space charge forms in the ferroelectric phase during dielectric aging. Charge accumulation and disappearance were i nvestigated by the method of thermally stimulated depolarization currents. Current peaks due to preliminary poling by a dc electric field and dielectr ic aging were determined. Effects that can be attributed to the rearrangeme nt of point defects with the production of defect complexes, such as dimers , were observed for the first time. The activation energies for trap deplet ion (0.98 eV) and defect complex breakdown (1.20 eV) were found. (C) 2001 M AIK "Nauka/Interperiodica".