Effects of poling over the orthorhombic-tetragonal phase transition temperature in compositionally homogeneous (K,Na)NbO3-based ceramics

Li-, Ta-, and Mn-modified (K,Na)NbO3 ceramics with various compositional homogeneity have been prepared by conventional and precursor methods. The homogeneous ceramic has demonstrated a sharper peak in temperature dependent piezoelectric response. The dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the homogeneous ceramics have been characterized at the experimental subcoercive electric fields near the temperature of the orthorhombic–tetragonal phase transition with respect to poling in both phases. Poling in the tetragonal phase is shown to enhance the low-signal dielectric and piezoelectric properties in the orthorhombic phase.