Application of the differential impedance analysis for investigation of electroceramics

This work shows the enhanced performance of Impedance Spectroscopy for investigation and characterization of electroceramics by applying a new structural approach for data analysis, called Differential Impedance Analysis (DIA). The main advantage of this technique is the possibility for model identification directly from the experimental data, i.e. without the use of a preliminary working hypothesis. DIA provides for separation and phenomenological characterization of the different steps involved in the investigated object. The capabilities of the method are demonstrated in conductivity studies of yttrium iron garnet (YIG) single crystal and Er doped PTCR BaTiO3. The analysis ensures a more detailed investigation of the bulk properties of YIG, including the separation and characterization of the hopping conductivity. The application of DIA on BaTiO3 enriches the information about the role of the ferroelectric domain structure on the PTCR.