Local Investigation of electronic structure modulation in BaPb_xBi_(1-x)O_3 via highly spatially resolved low-loss electron energy loss spectroscopy

摘要

BaPb_(1-x)Bi_xO_3 (BPBO) samples with x=1, 0.25 and 0.5 have been studied using highly spatially resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy in the low loss energy range and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. We have been able to identify crystallographic orientations and discover great inhomogeneities even within nanometre distances. We show the modulation of local electronic structure with local composition in BPBO phases with different nominal x. This enables us also to demonstrate the evolution of the metal-semiconductor transition as a function of x.