Precipitate splitting in Pb0.91La0.09Zr0.65Ti0.35O3 films

The transformation to perovskite phase of Pb0.91La0.09Zr0.65Ti0.35O3 (9/65/ 35) films on r-sapphire and resulting annealed microstructures were examine d by transmission electron microscopy. A random equiaxed polycrystalline gr ain morphology (approximately 600 nm) was observed after rapid-thermal anne aling or furnace annealing when the as-deposited (radio-frequency-magnetron sputtering) films were predominantly pyrochlore. However, an interesting p aired-plate structure was revealed after furnace annealing when the as-depo sited films were fully perovskite. The average size of such a split precipi tate was 35 nm in width and 150 nm in length.