Neutron diffraction study of the polarization reversal mechanism in [111]c-oriented Pb (Zn1/3Nb2/3) O3-x PbTiO3

Abstract

The polarization reversal mechanism in [111] c -oriented Pb (Zn13 Nb23) O3 -x PbTiO3 has been investigated by in-situ neutron diffraction. Stepwise static-field measurements of the (222) c rocking curves confirm a two-stage polarization reversal mechanism via a sequence of non-180° domain reorientations. The time-resolved response has also been measured upon application of a bipolar square wave with a 30 s period to observe directly the relaxation times of diffracted neutron intensity during the reversal process. Upon application of a large antipolar field, the diffraction intensity increases quickly, before relaxing over a longer time period with an exponential decay constant, τ, of approxi..