Engineered domain configuration in rhombohedral PZN-PT single crystals and their ferroelectric related properties

The domain configuration of rhombohedral PZN-8%PT single crystals has been observed as a function of electric-field and crystallographic orientation using polarizing microscope. Although a single domain state could be achieved by applying an E-field along the rhombohedral polar direction [111], a multidomain state was observed with the removal of the E-field. This domain instability was associated with large hysteresis of the strain vs. E-field behavior. In contrast, an engineered domain configuration of [001] oriented rhombohedral crystals was found to be stable with no domain motion detectable under DC-bias, resulting in hysteresis minimized strain vs. E-field behavior. The stable engineered domain configuration under bias in multidomain [001] oriented crystals was suggested as an evidence of macroscopic symmetry 4mm out of 3m rhombohedral crystals.