Determination of 60° polarization nanodomains in a relaxor-based ferroelectric single crystal

Here, we report a determination of monoclinic nanodomains in PMN-xPT with x = 31% PT by using scanning convergent beam electron diffraction (SCBED). We show the presence of 60 +/- alpha degree nanodomains with Cm-like symmetry as well as significant variations (alpha) in local polarization directions across lengths of similar to 10 nm. The principle of our technique is general and can be applied for the determination of polarization domains in other ferroelectric materials of different symmetry. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.