Polarization rotation and phase transition in [100]-oriented PZN-PT single crystals determined by the electro-crystalline anisotropy

We have investigated the polarization rotation and phase transition in [100]-oriented PZN-4.5% PT and PZN-8% PT single crystals on the basis of the single domain polarization rotation model. The dependence of both the polarization and the electrostrictive responses in ferroelectric crystals on the field at various temperatures has been numerically obtained. The numerical results have shown that both the polarization rotation and the phase transition are in nature determined by the electro-crystalline anisotropy constants. These constants are dependent on the composition of PZN-PT solution and ferroelectric properties of its components. Without considering the piezoelectric effect, the numerical results are in agreement with the experimental data. This paper is useful for better understanding of the polarization switching and the phase transition in ferroelectric crystals. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.