Radiation effects in ferroelectric materials

The effects of reactor radiation [10
¹⁵
–10
¹⁸
neutrons/cm
²
(per square centimeter)] on the dielectric properties of BaTiO
3
, 96% BaTiO
3
+4% PbTiO
3
, 95% BaTiO
3
+5% CaTiO
3
, and lead zirco-titanate were studied. Complex permittivity and large-signal hysteresis properties were measured before and after irradiation, after room temperature aging, and after 500 C (degrees centigrade) heat treatment. Effects on the hysteresis properties and the small-signal permittivity were small except for exposures of 10
¹⁸
neutrons/cm.
²
All of the measured properties were affected in some degree by aging and heat treatment.