Domain structure, local surface potential distribution and relaxation of Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3-9%PbTiO3 (PZN-9%PT) single crystals

We explored the relationship between polarization and surface potential of PZN-9%PT single crystal, and confirmed the existence of surface screening layer. Comparing the relaxation behavior in ambient air with that in argon gas, it is found that the relaxation time in argon is much shorter than that in air, and the relaxation in air is dominated by the space charge transport phenomena. The injected charges have significant effects on the pinning of the polarization in PZN-PT single crystals.