Conformal Miniaturization of Domains with Low Domain-Wall Energy: Monoclinic Ferroelectric States near the Morphotropic Phase Boundaries

A theory is developed for intermediate monoclinic (FE(m)) phases near morphotropic phase boundaries in ferroelectrics of complex oxides. It is based on the conformal miniaturization of stress-accommodating tetragonal domains under the condition of low domain-wall energy density. The microdomain-averaged lattice parameters are determined and attributed to the parameters of an adaptive monoclinic phase. The theory is applied to the temperature, electric field, and compositional dependent FE(m) lattice parameters. The predictions of the theory are rigidly obeyed over the entire FE(m) stability range.