Domain switching properties in PZN-PT single crystals with engineered domain configurations

Polarization and strain vs. electric field (E-field) behaviors were measured in rhombohedral 92%Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O-3-8%PbTiO3 (92%PZN-8%PT) single crystals with an E-field applied along [111] and [001] directions. In this study, the model for domain switching behavior was proposed, and using this model, polarization and strain vs. E-field curves were separated into a contribution by 180 degrees domain switching and that by non-180 degrees, i.e., 71 degrees and 109 degrees, domain switching. As a result, it was estimated that for [001] oriented 92%PZN-8%PT crystals, 180 degrees domain reorientation significantly affected its strain vs. E-field behaviors, while for the [111] oriented crystals, non-180 degrees domain reorientation determined its strain vs. E-field behaviors.