Optical study of domains in antiferroelectric ceramics

Antiferroelectric ceramics are now highly focused as giant strain actuator materials. In this study, domain formation in antiferroelectric lead zirconate based ceramics (Pb_0.99Nb_0.02 [(Zr_0.6Sn_0.4)_1-yTi_y]_0.98O₃) was observed dynamically under an electric field at various temperatures using a high-resolution charge-coupled-device (CCD) microscope system. Field induced polarization and field induced strain were also measured. No domain was observed without an electric field, but clear domains appeared with an electric field due to the phase transition from an antiferroelectric to a ferroelectric state. Results of the optical study can explain well the electrical properties. The behavior of the field induced domains showed a shape memory effect and the domains were well oriented compared with normal ferroelectric ceramics.