Enhanced domain dynamics in alternating current poled rhombohedral Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 single crystals

Abstract

The understanding of domain dynamics in ferroelectric materials is crucial for optimizing their performance in piezoelectric and electro-optic applications. Although previous studies have focused on static domain structures and macroscopic characteristics, the time-resolved approach of domains remains largely unexplored. In this study, we compare the dynamic responses of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) poled [001]-oriented rhombohedral Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 (PMN-PT) single crystals using X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) during the application of external electric fields. Our results demonstrate that the AC-poled sample exhibit enhanced reconfiguration of domain variants in response to driving fields compared to the DC-poled counterpart, as evidenced by accelerated correlation decay and faster relaxation time. This phenomenon is attributed to enhanced reversible domain wall motion achieved through AC poling, which facilitates field-induced domain realignment. These findings provide insight into the relationship between dynamics and macroscopic properties in relaxor-PT single crystals for high-performance applications.