Non-conventional processing techniques and new materials are presented
in Part VII. The preparation of textured or grain orientation-controlled materials
has vastly improved the piezo- and ferroelectric properties of perovskite-
based materials, making them more suitable for applications in electronic
devices. New soft chemical routes have led to the formation of ferroelectrics
and relaxors in the forms of nanoparticles, thin films and ceramics at low
temperature (even room temperature), with enhanced properties.
Lastly, in Part VIII, we focus on some novel physical properties of dielectric
and ferroelectric superlattices and their applications, as well as the complex
structure-property relations of bismuth layer-structured single crystals.
This book is aimed to serve as a comprehensive reference to a broad
spectrum of graduate students, academic researchers, development scientists,
materials producers, device designers and applications engineers who are
working in, or are interested in moving into, the fascinating field of advanced
dielectric, piezoelectric and ferroelectric materials research and development.
The publication of this book would not have been possible without the
help and support from many people. I thank all the authors for their
knowledgeable contributions which I am sure will be highly valued by the
readers. Their enthusiasm, dedication, hard work and cooperation in the
making of this book were invaluable. I thank several anonymous referees for
helping me review some of the chapters. I thank Wallace Smith and Carl Wu
of the US Office of Naval Research for their constant support. Many of my
colleagues here at Simon Fraser have lent me their encouragement that is
much appreciated. I also thank the members of my research group and my
family for their understanding and support.
It has also been a great pleasure to work with the competent and patient
editorial staff at Woodhead Publishing Limited in Cambridge. In particular,
I thank Rob Sitton, the Commissioning Editor, who initiated the project and
brought it to fruition, and Ian Borthwick, the Publications Co-ordinator,
who, as the main contact person throughout the project, effectively ensured
the communication among the authors, the publisher and the editor, to allow
the timely completion of all the chapters. Special thanks also go to Laura
Bunney, the Project Editor, Melanie Cotterell, the Product Delivery Manager,
and Francis Dodds, the Editorial Director.
Zuo-Guang Ye
Department of Chemistry and
4D LABS
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, British Columbia
Canada
Introduction xxix