Non-linear Dielectric Response of Ferroelectric and Relaxor Materials

Abstract

Novel susceptometer for studying the linear and non-linear dielectric response was used to measure complex linear and non-linear dielectric susceptibilities of ferroelectric and relaxor materials. Results obtained for ferroelectric materials, displaying both continuous (triglycyne sulphate) and discontinuous (barium titanate) phase transitions, are given. All features typical for the third-order non-linear susceptibility predicted by the theory of ferroelectric phase transitions are observed experimentally. The authors also present the results of the investigations of the non-linear dielectric response of strontium barium niobate crystal, exhibiting the relaxor behaviour.

Keywords:

• Non-linear susceptibility
• ferroelectricity
• ferroelectric relaxors

PACS numbers:

• 42.65.-Ky
• 64.30.-t
• 72.20.-Ht
• 77.80.-Bh

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Polish Committee for Scientific Research under Grant No. 4 T08A 007 25. We are grateful to K. ćwikiel for providing the TGS single crystal.