Large pyroelectric response in (Pb0.87La0.02Ba0.1)(Zr0.7Sn0.3−xTix)O3 antiferroelectric ceramics under DC bias field

(Pb0.87La0.02Ba0.1)(Zr0.7Sn0.3−xTix)O3 (PLBZST, 0.06≤x≤0.09) antiferroelectric ceramics were fabricated by conventional solid state reaction process, and their ferroelectric, dielectric, and pyroelectric properties were systemically investigated. PLBZST with different Ti content were all confirmed to be in an antiferroelectric phase at T=50°C, which is close to the lowest phase transition temperature. Compared with conventional FE ceramics, PLBZST antiferroelectric ceramics exhibited higher electric field induced pyroelectric coefficient (p). As the content of Ti increased from 0.06 to 0.09, the pyroelectric coefficient increased from 1000 to 6500 μC/m2K under a 500 V/mm DC bias field. The maximum pyroelectric coefficient of 8400 μC/m2K was obtained at x=0.09 when an 850 V/mm DC bias field was applied, which is far larger than that of conventional phase transition pyroelectric materials. Large pyroelectric response is beneficial for the development of infrared detectors and thermal imaging sensors.