Phase transitions and domain structures in relaxor-based ferroelectric (PbZn1/3Nb2/3O3)0.915(PbTiO3)0.085 single crystal

Polarization-electric field (P-E) hysteresis loops and domain structures have been measured as a function of temperature in relaxor-based ferroelectric single crystal (PbZn_1/3Nb_2/3O₃)_0.915(PbTiO₃)_0.085 (PZN-8.5%PT). In order of increasing temperature, PZN-8.5%PT undergoes successive phase transitions: rhombohedra1 phase (below ∼375 K) → coexistence of rhombohedral and tetragonal phases (between ∼375 and ∼390 K) → tetragonal phase (between ∼390 and ∼420 K) → coexistence of tetragonal and cubic phases (between ∼420 and ∼460 K) → cubic phase (above ∼460 K). Phase coexistence suggests an inhomogeneous distribution of Ti⁴⁺ concentration in the PZN-8.5%PT crystal.