Solid solutions with coexisting antiferroelectric and ferroelectric phases as materials with negative refractive index

TL;DR

This paper explores how controlled decomposition in lead zirconate titanate-based solid solutions with coexisting antiferroelectric and ferroelectric phases can create materials with negative refractive index, useful for advanced optical applications.

Contribution

It demonstrates a method to produce negative refractive index materials by engineering interphase boundaries in solid solutions with coexisting FE and AFE domains.

Findings

Interphase boundaries exhibit controllable electrical conductivity.

Local decomposition enables tuning of material properties.

Composite structures can achieve negative refractive index.

Abstract

A possibility of use of the controlled decomposition of solid solutions of oxides with perovskite structure in the state of coexisting domains of the antiferroelectric (AFE) and ferroelectric (FE) phases for manufacturing of materials with negative refractive index is demonstrated. The lead zirconate titanate based solid solutions are considered as an example of substances suitable for creation of such materials. Manufactured composites constitute a dielectric matrix with a structure of conducting interphase boundaries separating domains of the FE and AFE phases. The electric conductivity of interphase boundaries occurs as a result of the local decomposition of solid solutions in the vicinity of these boundaries. The process of local decomposition and consequently the interphase boundaries conductivity can be controlled by means of external influences.