The local cationic configurations in the K₂Sr₄Nb₁₀O₃₀ lattice and peculiarities of its surface piezoresponse

Basing on the X-ray diffraction studies, a possibility of six local cationic configurations was established for K2Sr4Nb10O30 (KSN) having a tetragonal tungsten bronze-type structure. The association of these locally charged configurations may lead to the formation of the electrically active nanoregions. The piezoresponse force microscopy studies revealed at the KSN surface the presence of a subsystem of nano- or meso-size regions, which may be...