Charge release at the F-RL-F-RH transition of rhombohedral PZT as function of composition

Pyroelectric charge measurements have been performed in Nb-doped Pb(Zr1-xTix)O-3 along the phase boundary between the F-RL and F-RH phases (T-LH). These compositions are difficult to characterize by means of hysteresis loops because of the high coercive field at T approximate to T-LH. Therefore direct measurements of the jump in spontaneous polarization around T-LH by means of the system described in this work is especially useful. An experimental computer-controlled setup for precise charge release measurements in high conductivity f.e. materials has been used. It allows to measure the pyroelectric response in perovskite-type ceramics with slow temperature rates and accurate temperature determination. It includes a switches system permitting poling and charge integration alternative cly.