Use of resonance Raman spectroscopy to study the phase diagram of PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that resonance Raman spectroscopy reveals spectral changes in PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 due to a resonance effect linked to a self-trapped exciton emission, aiding phase transition analysis in ferroelectric materials.

Contribution

First evidence showing resonance Raman effects in PZT related to self-trapped excitons, providing a new method to study phase transitions in ferroelectric systems.

Findings

Resonance Raman spectral changes occur between 350 and 10 K in PZT.

Spectral changes are due to a self-trapped exciton emission oxygen deficient complex.

The approach can distinguish phase transition sequences in related materials.

Abstract

Evidence is presented for the first time that the sharp and continuous spectral changes observed in PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 (PZT) between 350 and 10 K with the 647.1 nm wavelength are due to a resonance Raman effect. Such a phenomenon can be explained by means of a self-trapped exciton emission oxygen deficient complex (TiTi' - VO-) of PZT powder whose energy is close to the radiation line of the laser. This kind of approach should also be very useful to distinguish the phase transition sequence for other related ferro/ piezoelectric systems.