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Abstract
The second harmonic generation (SHG) of optically transparent ceramic PLZT 8/65/35 was measured in the temperature range from 10°C to 410°C. The spatial modulation of SHG intensity I2ω with a period around 290 μm was observed by micro-scanning of the plane-parallel sample. During a heating run from the low temperature phase the averaged SHG intensity drops substantially at around 40°C reflecting the transformation into the relaxor phase, and a subsequent decrease occurs around 350°C (Burns temperature) indicating the transition into the high-temperature paraelectric phase, where also the spatial modulation of I2ω is suppressed. The SHG intensity within the relaxor and high-temperature phases decreases linearly with the same small slope and the difference of I2ω in these two phases depends on the heating rate. The results are in a good agreement with the concept of creation of polar nanoscopic clusters below the Burns temperature and transition into the nonergodic phase at low temperatures.