# Photovoltaic effect and photopolarization in Pb[(Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.68Ti0.32]O3 crystal

**Authors:** A. S. Makhort, F. Chevrier, D. Kundys, B. Doudin, B. Kundys  
**arXiv:** [1801.04870](https://arxiv.org/abs/1801.04870)  
**Date:** 2018-01-15  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/fr/paper/1801.04870v1/

## Abstract

Ferroelectric photovoltaic materials are an alternative to semiconductor-based photovoltaics and offer the advantage of above bandgap photovoltage generation. However, there are few known compounds, and photovoltaic efficiencies remain low. Here, we report the discovery of a photovoltaic effect in undoped lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate crystal and a significant improvement in the photovoltaic response under suitable electric fields and temperatures. The photovoltaic effect is maximum near the electric-field-driven ferroelectric dipole reorientation, and increases threefold near the Curie temperature. Moreover, at ferroelectric saturation, the photovoltaic response exhibits clear remanent and transient effects. The transient-remanent combinations together with electric and thermal tuning possibilities indicate photoferroelectric crystals as emerging elements for photovoltaics and optoelectronics, relevant to all-optical information storage and beyond.