Persistence and memory of polar nanoregions in a ferroelectric relaxor under an electric field

The response of polar nanoregions (PNR) in the ferroelectric relaxor Pb[(Zn1/3Nb2/3)(0.92)Ti-0.08]O-3 subject to a [111]-oriented electric field has been studied by neutron diffuse scattering. Contrary to classical expectations, the diffuse scattering associated with the PNR persists, and is even partially enhanced, after field cooling. The effect of the external electric field is retained by the PNR after the field is removed. The memory of the applied field reappears even after heating the system above the Curie temperature T-C and cooling in zero field.