Weak low-temperature polarity in a PbZrO3 single crystal

Abstract

We report the existence of a low-temperature polar phase in PbZrO 3 below 270 K. The temperature dependence of resultant polarization was assigned from pyroelectric current changes measured after poling the single crystal or ceramic in a DC electric field. This was observed in single crystals and ceramics and may have a connection with the presence of polar (ferrielectric) antiphase boundaries inside the antiferroelectric phase. The transition point is demonstrated by changes in domain structure and anomalies in dielectric permittivity and losses in as-grown single crystals and ceramic samples.