Relaxor Superlattices: Artificial Control of the Ordered–Disordered State of B-Site Ions in Perovskites

Abstract

We have developed a new superlattice technique to artificially control the B-site ordering state. The technique has been applied to Ba(Zr_0.2Ti_0.8)O₃, in which B-site ions are not naturally ordered. XRD measurements and theoretical calculations of the XRD patterns with a step model indicated that the BZT superlattices were well constructed. We also carried out measurement of dielectric properties for samples in various B-site ordering states. The existence of relaxor behavior in BZT with x=0.2 was confirmed in a superlattice sample with an ordering ratio below 25%. For the homovalent-system compound BZT, we have succeeded in controlling the B-site ordering state and have demonstrated the influence of the order–disorder transition for the first time. We believe that this technique could be a key method for investigating the exact origin of relaxor behavior.