Transition speed on switching from a field-induced ferroelectric to an antiferroelectric upon the release of the applied electric field in (Pb,La) (Zr, Ti,Sn)O3antiferroelectric ceramics

Abstract A technique is developed to measure the transition speed from a field-induced ferroelectric to an antiferroelectric phase upon the release of the applied electric field in the antiferroelectric ceramics. The transition speeds of three members in the antiferroelectric (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti,Sn)O3 family were investigated. Switching current-time curves similar to those observed in the normal square pulse forward switching technique were found. A switching time as short as 2 μSec. was found in one of the antiferroelectric compositions. The switching time increases as the ferroelectric to the antiferroelectric transition field decreases. Under a continuous high frequency driving field, the ferroelectric to antiferroelectric transition field is increased and the induced ferroelectric poiarization is decreased due to the hysteretic heating.