Structure refinement, dielectric, pyroelectric and Raman characterizations of Ba1−xLax(1−y)/2Euxy/2Nax/2TiO3 solid solution

The perovskite-type oxides Ba1−xLax(1−y)/2Euxy/2Nax/2TiO3 (0less-than-or-equals, slantxless-than-or-equals, slant0.5 and xy=0.04) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction as well as dielectric measurements and Raman spectroscopy. The crystal structure of these ceramics has been determined by the Rietveld refinement powder X-ray diffraction data at room temperature. These compounds crystallize at room temperature in tetragonal space group P4mm for 0less-than-or-equals, slantxless-than-or-equals, slant0.1 and in the cubic group Click to view the MathML source for 0.2less-than-or-equals, slantxless-than-or-equals, slant0.5. The phase transition temperature TC (or Tm) decreases as x content increases. The degree of diffuseness of the phase transition is more pronounced for higher x content, implying the existence of a composition-induced diffuse phase transition of the ceramics with xgreater-or-equal, slanted0.1. The evolution of the Raman spectra was studied as a function of various compositions at room temperature. The polarization state was checked by pyroelectric measurements. (Copyright 2006 Elsevier Inc