Electrooptic, PLZT properties

These lead-based materials (PZT, PLZT, PMN) form a class of ceramics with either important dielectric, relaxor, pie2oelectric, or electrooptic properties, and are thus used for appHcations ia actuator and sensor devices. Resistive properties of these materials ia film form mirror the conduction processes ia the bulk material. Common problems associated with their use are low dielectric breakdown, iacreased aging, and electrode iajection, decreasiag the resistivity and degrading the properties. 

Approximately ten years ago, it was first reported by Haertling and Land (jj that optical transparency was achieved in a ferroelectric ceramic material. This material was, in reality, not just one composition but consisted of a series of compositions in the lanthanum modified lead zirconate-lead titanate (PLZT) solid solution region. The multiplicity of compositions, each with different mechanical, electrical and electrooptic properties has led to a decade of study in defining the chemical and structural nature of these materials in understanding the phenomena underlying their optical and electrooptic properties and in evaluating the practicality of the large number of possible applications (2-12),... 

Electrooptic Properties, The electrooptic properties of the PLZT materials are intimately related to their ferroelectric properties. Consequently, varying the ferroelectric polarization with an electric field such as in a hysteresis loop, produces a change in the optical properties of the ceramic. In addition, the magnitude of the observed electrooptic effect is dependent on both the strength and direction of the electric field,... 

The PLZT ceramics show large changes in birefringence by switching the polarization and these materials are of potential use in optical memories and displays. " However, the electrooptic properties utilized for such devices depend on the grain size. ... 

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