Distribution and formation mechanism of the domain structure in PMN–33% PT single crystals

Abstract

Domain structures investigation in (110)-oriented Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–33% PbTiO3 (PMN–33% PT) single crystals has been performed by piezoresponse force microscopy. Submicron-sized fingerprint pattern and tweed pattern domains (TPDs) have been observed in large parallel domains with typical sizes of 20–30 µm. Based on the existence of gradual transition regions between fingerprint pattern domains and TPDs in the same large ferroelectric domain, the relationship between the two pattern domains is discussed and a possible formation mechanism of the domain structure in PMN–33% PT single crystal is proposed.