Varied domain structures in 0.7Pb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃-0.3PbTiO₃ single crystals

Single crystals of 0.7Pb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃-0.3PbTiO₃ (PMN-30PT) with a composition close to the morphotropic phase boundary have demonstrated remarkable electromechanical properties, stimulating intensive research interest in the field of piezoelectrics. Domain structures have long been associated with their overall piezoelectric properties, thereby garnering particular research interest for the enhancement of piezoelectric properties. Here, we report on three distinct domain structures in this material. Through a combination of X-ray diffraction reciprocal space mapping and piezoresponse force microscopy measurements, an M_A crystal structure has been confirmed. The three-dimensional polar vectors of the three domain structures have been reconstructed with two 4M_A and one 2M_A domain structures. Correlations between different domain structures and their local electrical switching properties have been revealed. Our study of the PMN-30PT single crystal examines diverse domain structures at the mesoscale in detail, which provides valuable insight into the relationship between structures and properties of the material.