A new temperature scale T* in lead-based relaxor systems

TL;DR

This paper identifies a universal temperature scale T* in lead-based relaxor ferroelectrics and other oxides, linked to nanoscale phase transitions and potentially underlying their extraordinary properties.

Contribution

It introduces the existence of a universal temperature scale T* across various complex oxides, connecting nanoscale phase transitions to their unique functionalities.

Findings

T* exists in all studied lead-based relaxors

T* is associated with nanoscale phase transitions

T* is also found in oxides with giant magnetoresistivity or superconductivity

Abstract

Via a combination of various experimental and theoretical techniques, a peculiar, identical temperature scale T* is found to exist in all complex lead-based relaxor ferroelectrics. T* corresponds to a nanoscale phase transition due to random fields. Interestingly, T* also exists in other oxides with extraordinary properties, such as giant magnetoresistivity or superconductivity. By analogy with such latter systems, the giant piezoelectricity related to relaxors might originate from proximity competing states effect.