The pyroelectric properties of the F.E.αL/F.E.αH phase transitions lead zircon ate ferric niobate and related compounds

A ferroelectric rhombohedral low temperature to high temperature (F.EαL/F.E.αH) phase transition, similar to that reported in PZT, has been investigated in the ceramic system PbZrO3-Pb2FeNbO6-PbTiO3. Compositions have been identified in which the temperature hysteresis of the transition reaches a minimum. Bismuth doping further reduces this hysteresis. In such compositions a marked increase in reversible pyroelectric coefficient occurs at the transition, with potential device applications.