Lattice distortion under an electric field in BaTiO(3) piezoelectric single crystal.

Lattice distortions under an electric field in a mono-domain of BaTiO(3) ferroelectric crystal have been detected with synchrotron x-ray radiation. The variation of the lattice constant with an electric field observed with high angle diffraction shows a linear response nature of the piezoelectric effect. When an electric field is applied along the spontaneous polarization direction, the c-axis of the lattice elongates and the a-axis of the lattice shrinks at a rate of d(33) = 149 ± 54 pm V(-1) and d(31) = -82 ± 61 pm V(-1); these represent the longitudinal and transverse piezoelectric coefficients of BaTiO(3) crystal, respectively.

Developing 100 ps-resolved X-ray structural analysis capabilities on beamline NW14A at the Photon Factory Advanced Ring.

NW14A is a newly constructed undulator beamline for 100 ps time-resolved X-ray experiments at the Photon Factory Advanced Ring. This beamline was designed to conduct a wide variety of time-resolved X-ray measurements, such as time-resolved diffraction, scattering and X-ray absorption fine structure. Its versatility is allowed by various instruments, including two undulators, three diffractometers, two pulse laser systems and an X-ray chopper.

Gigantic photoresponse in 1/4-filled-band organic salt (EDO-TTF)2PF6.

We report that the organic salt (EDO-TTF)2PF6 with 3/4-filled-band (1/4-filled in terms of holes), which forms an organic metal with strong electron and lattice correlation, shows a highly sensitive response to photoexcitation. An ultrafast, photoinduced phase transition from the insulator phase to the metal phase can be induced with very weak excitation intensity at near room temperature. This response makes the material attractive for applications in switching devices with room-temperature operation.