Characteristics of SrBi2Ta2O9 ferroelectric films in an in situ applied low electric field prepared by metalorganic decomposition

SrBi2Ta2O9 (SBT) films were prepared on Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si substrates at 750degreesC in oxygen by metalorganic decomposition method. A low electric field was in situ applied during the film crystallization. It was first found that a low electric field and its direction have significant influence on the microstructures and ferroelectric properties of SBT films. Under a positive electric field (assuming that the bottom electrode is electrically grounded), the films show stronger c-axis-preferred orientation than without electric field and under a negative electric field. As a possible origin is proposed that the interface-induced nucleation growth between SBT and Pt coated substrate with application of low electric field plays a key role. Above all, an in situ applied low electric field during the film crystallization is a promising technique controlling film orientation for film preparation by wet chemical method. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.