Growth and characterization of ferroelectric Pb(Sc1/2Nb1/2)O3 single crystals

Abstract

Single crystals of Pb(Sc1/2Nb1/2)O3 were grown by the high-temperature solution method using PbO + B2O3 as flux. The size of the as-grown crystals varies from 1 to 2 mm. X-ray diffraction indicates a pure perovskite phase without B-site ordering. Polarized light microscopy shows that the crystals are of rhombohedral symmetry at room temperature and become cubic at TC = 112 °C on heating. A ferroelectric-to-relaxor phase transition is verified at TC by dielectric spectroscopy. Frequency-dependent permittivity is observed in dielectric measurements, revealing relaxor behavior above TC. Poling the crystal at room temperature does not change TC, but suppresses the permittivity. Typical ferroelectric hysteresis loop is displayed at room temperature, indicating the ferroelectric nature of the rhombohedral phase.