| Abstract: | Domain structure and phase transition sequence of 0.91PZN‐0.09PT single crystal, grown from high temperature solution, have been analysed using polarised light microscopy. The domain structure of (001)cub cut single crystal exhibit co‐existence of rhombohedral and tetragonal phases. The sequence and phase transition temperatures have been determined from temperature dependence of birefringence. Birefringence measurements during heating and cooling reveal a first order nature of phase transition between rhombohedral (R3m) and tetragonal (P4mm). The birefringence was measured with accuracy of 10‐3. However, dielectric measurement does not provide any evidence of R3m ‐ P4mm phase transition. It is shown that in‐situ analysis of domain structure and phase transition can be used as non‐destructive analytical tool for determination of local composition and phase transition sequence. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) |
