Solution processing and crystallization of ferroelectric samarium modified lead titanate thin films

Samarium-doped lead titanate thin films have been prepared by a sol-gel technique. The processing of precursor solutions through two different synthetic routes and containing differing excesses of PbO is described. The films deposited from these solutions are crystallized by thermal treatments at temperatures higher than 550 degrees C. The crystalline structure, composition and microstructure of the resulting films are studied by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction analysis, energy dispersive spectroscopy, quantitative scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. It is observed that the film microstructure and the development of non-ferroelectric phases in these films are influenced by both the solution chemistry and the lead oxide stoichiometry. Preliminary results concerning the ferroelectric behaviour of these films are also given.