Enhanced high-power behaviors of Mn-doped Pb (In1/2Nb1/2) O3-Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3) O3-PbTiO3 piezoelectric crystals through combining direct and alternating current polarization

Abstract

Elevating both the mechanical quality factor and piezoelectric properties is pivotal for enhancing the efficiency of high-power piezoelectric devices. Mn-doped Pb (In1/2Nb1/2) O3-Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3) O3-PbTiO3 (Mn: PIN-PMN-PT) single crystals have previously exhibited a notable mechanical quality factor, yet encountered a substantial decline in piezoelectric coefficient. In pursuit of the concurrent optimization of these parameters, we explored the co-enhancement of mechanical quality factor and piezoelectric coefficient in [001]-oriented Mn: PIN-PMN-PT single crystals by employing a synergistic approach (DCP-ACP) involving direct-current poling (DCP) and alternating-current poling (ACP). Our investigation reveals a remarkable improvement, with the piezoelectric coefficient and mechanical quality factor experiencing a notable surge of 53% and 118%, respectively, compared to the outcomes achieved with DCP alone. Compared to the ACP method, the piezoelectric coefficient and the mechanical quality factor were improved more than 7% and 18%, respectively. Moreover, the coercive field and remnant polarization of the single crystals witnessed a substantial upswing post DCP-ACP. The results are attributed to the elimination of the 71° domain walls, as observed through polarized light microscopy. Here we demonstrate Mn: PIN-PMN-PT single crystals are expected to has high mechanical quality factor and strong piezoelectric constants through DCP-ACP, thus suggesting a new route to high performance ferroelectrics.