Polarity in nanoscale in PbZrxSn1−xO3 single crystals

In this work, the temperature dependencies of local piezo- and electrostrictive repsonse in single PZS crystals were measured by means of PEFM method and compared with a bulk responses. The local piezoelectric activity in the paraelectric phase measured in nanoscale, together with the observation of weak birefringence, are the direct proof for local lattice instability in wide temperature range (~50K) above T_c. Analysis of these features is a way to understand better the phase transition mechanisms in oxidic perovskites with antiferroelectric phase transition. In addition to expected non-homogeneous distribution of the Sn ions, discussed is important influence of the extended defects and other crystal inhomogeneities on the local electrostricitive and piezoelectric activities observed.