Large Q factor variation within dense, highly ordered Ba(Zn1/3Ta2/3)O3 system

The large amount of Q factor variation within dense, highly ordered region of Ba(Zn1/3Ta2/3)O3 (BZT) system were studied by means of crystal structure analysis, micro-structural analysis and electrical measurements using samples around stoichiometric BZT. Presence of small amount of secondary phase (e.g., less than 1%) affects Q factor decrements even in the dense (density = 7.15–7.78 g/cm3), highly ordered (estimated ordering ratio around 70–80%) samples. This suggests that the structural order and the presence of the secondary phase are playing an important role on Q factor in BZT system. Therefore, suppressions of small amount of secondary phase (e.g., less than 1%) by strict composition control can provide further Q factor improvements. Single phase ordered perovskite obtained in the vicinity of stoichiometric BZT showed an improvement in Q factor (Q × f = 133,000 GHz) by extended sintering up to 400 h at 1400 °C.