Applied Physics Letters · 2006 · 21 citations · 11 references
Natural SciencesMaterials SciencePhysicsCondensed Matter PhysicsCrystal StructureSolid State PhysicsDomain WallsElectrical Properties Of CeramicsFerroelectric CeramicsFerroelectric MaterialsPhase TransitionsPiezoelectric MaterialsDomain SwitchingDomain Wall MotionFerroelectric CrystalsFerroelectric Domain EvolutionFerroelectric Single CrystalsIn Situ HeatingPhase Transition TemperatureRelaxor Ferroelectrics
Ferroelectric domain structure and its evolution in uniaxial relaxor Ca0.28Ba0.72Nb2O6 single crystals were investigated using transmission electron microscopy. It was found that there exists a high density of 180° domain walls in the crystals. The domains appear predominantly spike shaped along the polar axis and have a typical diameter of 50–500nm. Domain wall motion was occasionally induced by electron beam irradiation. Macrodomains-to-microdomains switching has been observed corresponding to the normal-to-relaxor ferroelectrics transition during an in situ heating experiments. At temperature just below ferroelectric phase transition temperature TC, zero-field-cooled needlelike nanodomains were also observed.
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