Growth and characteristics of Mn-doped PMN–PT single crystals

Large sized 0.71PMN–0.29PT single crystals with different Mn-doping content (pure, 1 at.%, 3 at.%) have been grown by a modified Bridgman method. The piezoelectric and dielectric properties of the as-grown crystals are measured. The phase transitions of the poled 0.71PMN–0.29PT with the orientation along 〈001〉 and 〈110〉 directions take place during the heating process. The phase transition of the pure crystals is more complicated than that of the Mn-doped crystals. Both the pure 〈001〉- and 〈110〉-oriented crystals have two dielectric abnormal peaks besides the Curie peak. With Mn-doping, the temperature for the first dielectric abnormal peak shifts to a higher value. The Mn-doping content affects the piezoelectric and dielectric properties of the crystal greatly. 1 at.% Mn-doped crystals possesses a larger coercive field and mechanical quality factor at the expense of a little lower piezoelectric response. The growth and characteristics of pure and Mn-doped 0.71PMN–0.29PT single crystals are reported and discussed in this paper.