Temperature-Dependent Raman Spectroscopic Investigation of High-Performance Bi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 -PbTiO3–BiScO3 Piezo/-Ferroelectric Single Crystals

This project aims to develop new high-performance materials that can operate reliably in extreme environments, such as jet engines, nuclear reactors, and the automotive industry. Many modern technologies rely on piezoelectric and ferroelectric materials, which convert mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice versa. However, most of today’s materials lose performance at high temperatures, limiting their use in advanced industrial applications.
To address this challenge, the project investigates a promising class of bismuth-based perovskite single crystals. These materials exhibit strong electrical performance and unusual “relaxor” behavior, but the origins of this behavior are still not well understood. Gaining insight into their structure is essential for designing next-generation high-temperature devices.
At Simon Fraser University (SFU), single crystals will be grown and tested to evaluate their functional properties. The project will then continue at the University of Hamburg, where advanced temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy— not available at SFU—will be used to study how the atomic structure evolves with temperature. These measurements will reveal how local lattice distortions influence the material’s electrical response.
This international collaboration will deepen our understanding of high-temperature functional materials, support the development of more efficient technologies, and strengthen Canada’s research capacity in advanced materials.

Faculty Supervisor:

Zuo-Guang Ye

Student:

Partner:

Universität Hamburg

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program: