PMN-8PT device structures for electrocaloric cooling applications

Based on fundamental research carried out on PMN-8PT bulk ceramics, screen-printed thick films and multilayer ceramic (MLC) structures have been developed. The influence of device design on the microstructural, dielectric, ferroelectric and electrocaloric properties has been investigated in detail. MLC structures turned out to be promising candidates for implementation into electrocaloric cooling systems providing large refrigerant volume and low single layer thickness. The latter allows for the application of high electric fields under low operation voltages. An electrocaloric temperature change of DT = 0.21 K was measured directly, by application/withdrawal of an electric field ofDE = 2.1 kVmm-1.