Intersection of a domains in the c-domain matrix driven by electric field in tetragonal ferroelectric crystal

Domain structures in a tetragonal ferroelectric crystal were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) before and after application of bipolar cyclic electric fields. Prior to the application of the bipolar field, the crystal was poled to an initial domain structure which consisted of a high volume fraction of c domains. Dispersed in the matrix of the c domains were two orthogonal sets of a-domain strips. These two sets of a-domain strips stayed apart to avoid direct contact. Upon application of bipolar cyclic electric fields, intersections of the a domains were observed in the <001>-oriented tetragonal ferroelectric crystal. These intersections were formed as one set of the a domains grew under the influence of the in-plane electric field. As a result of the domain wall intersection, segments of the domain wall between two intersecting a domains carried excess electric charges. In the successive TEM examination, domain wall distortion and microcracks were found at these intersections. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.