Mechanisms of crystal growth are determined. Methods to control the ferroelectric domains are developed. Understanding of the role of dopants is pursued with regard to holographic storage, laser host, and ferroelectric switching applications. The electrical and mechanical properties of polar materials are largely dependent on the direction of applied field in terms to crystallographic orientation. Unique and better properties are thus expected for ferroelectric and antiferroelectric thin layers with preferred orientation, heteroepitaxy, and homoepitaxy.
Emphasis is placed on identifying the dominant factors which control texture.
The effects of solution chemistry and heat-treatment conditions as well as substrate materials are under investigation. The purpose of this investigation is to obtain a fundamental understanding of microstructure-property relationships for electroceramics. Research is concerned with the effects of chemical substitution and the control of microstructure on properties. The role of grain boundaries on magnetoresistive characteristics is under investigation. Experimental parameters such as water of hydrolysis, pH, heating rate, and spin speed were systematically varied and their effect on densification was evaluated.