Strain anisotropy and piezoelectric response along 〈001〉 and 〈110〉 directions in PMN–38PT single crystal

Here we report strain anisotropy and piezoelectric response in PMN–38PT single crystal along the spontaneous direction 〈100〉 and non-spontaneous direction 〈110〉. Piezoelectric coefficient of crystals oriented along 〈110〉 ( d 33〈110〉) is as high as 1200 pC/N, which is much higher than those crystals oriented along 〈001〉 direction ( d 33〈001〉=300 pC/N). Strain enduring ability is also higher along 〈110〉 direction than that along 〈001〉 direction. The results reveal that larger electric field can be applied along 〈110〉 direction and larger piezoelectric deformations are attainable. Our study offers insight on the design and optimization of ferroelectrics for enhanced piezoelectric properties.