Understanding the microscopic origin of the superior electromechanical response in relaxor ferroelectrics requires knowledge not only of the atomic-scale formation of polar nanodomains (PNDs) but also the rules governing the arrangements and stimulated response of PNDs over longer distances. Using x-ray coherent nanodiffraction, we show the staggered self-assembly of PNDs into unidirectional mesostructures that we refer to as polar laminates in the relaxor ferroelectric 0.68PbMg 1/3 Nb 2/3 O 3 -0.32PbTiO 3 (PMN-0.32PT). We reveal the highly heterogeneous electric-field–driven responses of intra- and interlaminate PNDs and establish their correlation with the local strain and the nature of the PND walls. Our observations highlight the critical role of hierarchical lattice organizations on macroscopic material properties and provide guiding principles for the understanding and design of relaxors and a wide range of quantum and functional materials.

中文翻译：

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弛豫铁电体中分级极性层压板的异质场响应


了解弛豫铁电体优异机电响应的微观起源不仅需要了解极性纳米域 (PND) 的原子级形成，还需要了解 PND 在较长距离上的排列和受激响应的规则。使用 X 射线相干纳米衍射，我们展示了 PND 交错自组装成单向介观结构，我们将其称为弛豫铁电 0.68PbMg 1/3 Nb 2/3 O 3 -0.32PbTiO 3 (PMN-0.32PT ）。我们揭示了层内和层间 PND 的高度异质电场驱动响应，并建立了它们与局部应变和 PND 壁性质的相关性。我们的观察强调了分层晶格组织对宏观材料特性的关键作用，并为理解和设计弛豫剂以及各种量子和功能材料提供了指导原则。