Field-Induced Domain Reorientation and Polarization Rotation of <110> Oriented Pb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃-PbTiO₃ Single Crystals

Polarization hysteresis loops, x-ray diffraction and temperature dependent dielectric constant under different electric fields for <110> oriented 0.7PMN-0.3PT crystals are measured. The field-induced phase transition and the process of depolarization are discussed. The results show that with the electric field E increasing, the single-crystal form changes from the relaxor state of rhombohedral to normal rhombohedral, then to a monoclinic state via polar-axis reorientation and polarization rotation. Orthorhombic phase may present when E≥10kV, but it is an unstable form after E removal. The depolarization process is not just the reversal of the polarization process. It is noticed that only the temperature-dependent dielectric behaviour is not enough to judge the processes of the E-field induced phase transition.