Rapid appearance of domains upon phase change in KNbO3 - a TEM in-situ heating study

TEM specimens from potassium niobate single crystals were observed while being heated in a TEM. DWs and dislocations were observed; the DWs were mobile. In certain cases the DWs became pinned by the dislocations, at least for a short time, most likely due to interaction of strain fields. Both phase changes were observed with accompanying rapid appearance of new domain patterns.