Structural and electrical characterization of films of La-modified Pb(Zr/sub x/Ti/sub 1-x/)O/sub 3/ prepared by sol-gel technique

La modified Pb(Zr/sub x/Ti/sub 1-x/)O/sub 3/ films of 8/65/35 composition were deposited by spin coating from a PLZT sol prepared by dissolving the corresponding precursors in methoxyethanol. As deposited films were amorphous. A thin film of PbTiO/sub 3/ was deposited on the substrate prior to depositing PLZT films to enhance the crystallinity and tetragonal nature of the PLZT films. After multiple coating, these films were heat treated at different temperatures. While films fired at 400/spl deg/C were still amorphous, crystallinity was achieved on firing the films at 600/spl deg/C. Dielectric studies have been performed to understand the temperature and frequency dependence of dielectric permittivity and loss in these films. Results of ferroelectric studies are also reported. The crystalline films exhibit P-E hysteresis loops.