Spatial distribution of relaxation behavior on the surface of a ferroelectric relaxor in the ergodic phase

Abstract

Spatial homogeneity of polarization relaxation behavior on the surface of 0.9Pb (Mg1/3 Nb2/3) O3 -0.1 PbTiO3 crystals in the ergodic relaxor phase is studied using three-dimensional time-resolved spectroscopic piezoresponse force microscopy. The number of statistically independent components in the spectroscopic image is determined using principal component analysis. In the studied measurement time interval, the spectra generally exhibit logarithmic behavior with spatially varying slope and offset, and the statistical distribution of these parameters are studied. The data illustrate the presence of mesoscopic heterogeneity in the dynamics of the relaxation behavior that can be interpreted as spatial variation in local Vogel-Fulcher temperatures. © 2009 American Institute of Physics.