Origin and control of the lead-enriched near-surface region of (Pb, La)TiO3

The chemical composition, structure and extension of the Pb-enriched nonfer roelectric near-surface region of stoichiometric (Pb, La)TiO3 ferroelectric films was characterized by x-ray diffraction, Rutherford backscattering sp ectroscopy and x-ray photoemission spectroscopy. Its origin as a result of the Pb excess segregation from the growing (Pb, La)TiO3 bulk and subsequent oxidation was revealed. A postdeposition procedure to control its composit ion and thereby its properties was provided. Thus, a decrease of the near-s urface Pb excess of about 75% was achieved. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.