Fractal-cluster kinetics in phase transformations in the relaxor ceramic PLZT

Abstract
Fractal formalism has been used to study the evolution of a heterophase state (consisting of polar nanoregions in a nonpolar matrix) subjected to polarization in an electric field within the diffuse phase transition in the transparent relaxor ferroelectric ceramic PLZT 8/65/35. The time dependences of the fractal dimensions of polar clusters under polarization switching and spontaneous backswitching at different temperatures have been derived from measurements of the elastic scattering of transmitted light. Various scenarios for the evolution of the heterophase and nanodomain states in relaxors with variation of the temperature and electric field are proposed.