High-resolution x-ray diffraction study of single crystals of lead zirconate titanate

The symmetry of single-crystal piezoelectric PbZr_1-xTi _xO₃, with x≈0.31 and x≈0.46, has been investigated by high-resolution x-ray diffraction, both at room temperature and up to and above the Curie temperature. Reciprocal space maps around a selection of Bragg reflections were collected and self-consistent patterns showing Bragg splittings were observed. The analysis of the separation of peaks from different twin domains provides precise information on PbZr_1-xTi_xO ₃ symmetry when approaching the morphotropic phase boundary at x=0.48 from the zirconium-rich side.