Recent Publication in the Journal Science

The AIF instruments and users have contributed to a recent publication in the journal Science. By introducing small quantities of the rare earth element samarium, the piezoelectric properties of PMN-PT single crystals were increased by a factor of two. Piezoelectrics have many important applications such as in underwater sonar systems, ultrasound imaging, and actuators. Although only one in a thousand atoms is samarium, the effects on the crystal structure is significant. Using atomic resolution STEM imaging, and in agreement with simulations, it was found that the atomic structure of PMN-PT is significantly modified leading to significant increases in properties.