Direct observation of the formation of polar nanoregions in Pb(Mg${}_{1/3}$Nb${}_{2/3}$)O${}_3$ using neutron pair distribution function analysis

Abstract

Using neutron pair distribution function (PDF) analysis over the temperature range from 1000 K to 15 K, we demonstrate the existence of local polarization and the formation of medium-range, polar nanoregions (PNRs) with local rhombohedral order in a prototypical relaxor ferroelectric Pb(Mg${}_{1/3}$Nb${}_{2/3}$)O${}_3$. We estimate the volume fraction of the PNRs as a function of temperature and show that this fraction steadily increases from 0 % to a maximum of $\sim$ 30% as the temperature decreases from 650 K to 15 K. Below T$\sim$200 K the PNRs start to overlap as their volume fraction reaches the percolation threshold. We propose that percolating PNRs and their concomitant overlap play a significant role in the relaxor behavior of Pb(Mg${}_{1/3}$Nb${}_{2/3}$)O${}_3$.

4 pages, 3 figures

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