Abstract
Domain structure and polarization switching in (001)-oriented Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O₃-x%PbTiO₃ (PMN -x %PT) crystals for x=20 and 35at% have been investigated in-situ by scanning force microscope (SFM) in a piezoresponse mode under a step DC electrical voltage. In the initial annealed condition, polar nano domains (PND) and domain striations oriented along {110} were observed in x=20 and x=35, respectively. For x=20, domain switching occurs by heterogeneous nucleation, where nucleation is not confined in the vicinity of domain boundaries, but rather can occur throughout the crystal volume. However, for x=35, domain switching tends to be preferentially initiated near pre-existing twin boundaries. With increasing the applying voltage, the nuclei density increased and assembled into {110} striations, indicating a stress-accommodated domain growth process. At higher voltage, nucleation occurs heterogeneously throughout the crystal volume.
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