High-frequency properties of PZT for RF-communication applications

Lead-zirconate-titanate (PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3) nano powders and ceramics were prepared using a sol-gel method. Phase characterization of the lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) material was identified by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Micro-structure of the samples was examined by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ferroelectric hysteresis loop, high-frequency dielectric response and piezoelectric constant d33 were measured. The remnant polarization (Pr) of the PZT ceramics pellet is about 20 μC cm-2 and the coercive field (EC) is about 30 kV cm-1. The dielectric constant is about 900 and the dielectric loss is lower than 0.02 in the radio-frequency (RF) region. The piezoelectric constant d33 is about 170 pC N-1. The experimental results show that the PZT material can be suitable for the applications of miniature RF front-end devices and force-electric coupling devices