Ferroelectricity in disordered lead indium niobate

Polarization P-electric field E hysteresis loops in disorcered lead indium niobate(PIN) are, for the first time, observed. The value of its spontaneous polarization Ps is 10.8μC/cm2 at −20°C and decreases rapidly near -5°C. Therefore, the ferroelectricity in disordered PIN has been confirmed. Moreover, a new dielectric anomaly is found at a temperature Tt of 116°C. This temperature Tt corresponds to the phase transition temperature determined by the x-ray diffraction method. Above this phase transition temperature, the dielectric dispersion observed at temperatures below Tt disappears and the permittivity obeys the Curie-Weiss law. Such dielectric behavior in disordered PIN is strikingly different from that in the Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 family with the diffuse phase transition.