Effects of rare earth doping on the piezo and pyroelectric properties of lead zirconate titanate (PZT)

In this study we report the piezoelectric, pyroelectric and dielectric properties of rare earth (Eu/sup 3+/, Gd/sup 3+/. Sm/sup 3+/, Yb/sup 3+/, Nb/sup 5+/) modified PZT ceramics. The conventional mixed oxide route was adopted for preparation of the ceramics. Samples sintered in pellet form were corona poled using a voltage of 7 kV/cm at a temperature of 100 to 200/spl deg/C. Measurements of piezoelectric coefficients, pyroelectric coefficients, dielectric constant and loss are reported. Piezoelectric and pyroelectric figures of merit of these ceramics are also reported. The structural studies of these ceramics were also carried out. It is shown that doping of PZT with different rare earths in the right proportions improves their application in piezoelectric/pyroelectric devices.