Phase transition of ferroelectric (LixNa1−x)NbO3 films with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.13 by applying an electric field

We fabricated 001-oriented (LixNa1−x)NbO3 (LNN) films with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.13 on (001)SrTiO3 substrates by pulsed laser deposition. From the structural and electrical studies, we found that the crystal structure of the LNN film changed by applying an electric field, and the newly formed metastable phases did not return to the original phase. The ferroelectric properties were drastically changed by the phase transition induced by applying electric field. The induced metastable phase returned to the initial phase by heating. Finally, we first determined the phase relation in the LNN film between applying electric field and chemical composition (Li content, x).