Observation of field-induced microstructure in β phase of 8/65/35 PLZT electro - optic ceramics

A chemical etching technique has been found which reveals a complex microstructure in the field-induced β phase of lanthanum zirconate-titanate electro-optic ceramics having a composition 8/65/35. This microstructure in the electrically depoled state is irregular, while that in the electrically poled state is highly lamellar in character. Similar patterns were induced by mechanical strain. No evidence of microstructures was found in the thermally depoled α phase.