The effect of domain structures on the transparency of PMN–PT Transparent Ceramics

Relaxor ferroelectric Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 (PMN–PT) ceramics with La-modification exhibit a much stronger EO Kerr effect than PLZT does, which provides a viable alternative in electro-optic applications. The transparency of PMN–PT transparent ceramics is attributed to their fine domain structures. Despite having a highly dense micro–structure, the transparency of the ceramics depends strongly on their domain structures whether in their native forms or under electric fields.

► We discussed the phase and domain structure of La-doped PMN–PT transparent ceramics.
► La-doped PMN–PT ceramics samples with more symmetric crystal structure exhibiting higher transparency.
► Big ferroelectric domains structure of La-doped PMN–PT caused decreasing of transparency due to the light scattering.