Investigation of domain structure evolution during zero-field temperature treatment in 0.67PMN-0.33PT single crystals

The temperature depolarization process has been studied in [001]-cut lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate single crystals with 33% lead titanate content by in situ visualization of as-grown domain structure evolution during zero-field heating and subsequent cooling. The phase transitions have been revealed during heat treatment. It has been shown by piezoresponse force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy that heat treatment leads to decay of maze-type as-grown domain structure into array of irregular domains with average diameter about 300 nm. Shallow etching of the surface during mechanochemical polishing has allowed keeping the surface relief corresponding to as-grown domain pattern.