Due to their exceptional ferroelectric properties, PbZr_1-xTi_xO₃ (PZT) ceramics have been the subject of numerous studies. Dielectric susceptibility and piezoelectric properties are dependent on 3 variables: applied electric field, temperature and mechanical stress σ_ij. In spite of the high sensitivity of the physical properties of PZT to hydrostatic pressure, its effect has been studied only recently. However, large stress fields can be observed in miniaturized components or in ferroelectric dots. In the literature, experiments and theoretical calculations have indicated the existence of an intrinsic short range dynamical disorder over nearly the entire PZT solid solution. In order to determine the phase transition sequence of this disordered material, we reported resonance Raman Spectroscopy of a self-trapped exciton emission oxygen deficient complex (Ti_Ti’-V_O··) was performed to probe titanium displacements as a function of the temperature¹. Recently, note also for example that careful Rietveld refinements yield significantly better agreement factors using monoclinic models for the long-range structure of PbZr_0.60Ti_0.40O₃, with a Cc space group at low temperature and with a Cm space group at high temperature, rather than the widely accepted rhombohedral symmetry².

Based on neutron diffraction, X-ray diffraction, resonance Raman spectroscopy and X-Ray absorption Spectroscopy, we will present an overview of our new results on structure and dynamics of Pb(Zr_1-xTi_x)O₃ solid solution as a function of P and T³. These new important features have to be considered in the fundamental understanding of the ferroelectric-to-ferroelectric and ferroelectric-to-paraelectric phase transitions of such an important technological material.

¹J. Rouquette, J. Haines, V. Bornand, M. Pintard, Ph. Papet, J.L. Sauvajol, Phys. Rev. B 73, 224118, (2006).

²G. Fraysse, J. Haines, V. Bornand, J. Rouquette, M. Pintard, Ph. Papet, S. Hull, , Phys. Rev. B 77, 064109 (2008).

³ (to be published).

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