Clamping-induced changes of domain morphology in 88%Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3-12%PbTiO3.

Domain microstructures in single crystal lamellae of 88%Pb(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃-12%PbTiO₃ (cut from bulk using focused ion beam milling) have been mapped using both piezoresponse force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Dramatic changes from mottled microstructures typical of relaxors to larger scale domains typical of ferroelectrics have been noted. Stresses associated with substrate clamping are suspected as the cause for the transition from short- to long-range polar order, akin to effects induced by cation ordering achieved by thermal quenching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]