Direct observation of the near-surface layer in Pb(Mg_{1/3}Nb_{2/3})O₃ using neutron diffraction

Spatially resolved neutron diffraction as a function of crystal depth in Pb(Mg$_{1/3}$Nb$_{2/3}$)O$_{3}$ reveals the presence of a distinct near-surface region. A dramatic change in both the lattice constant and the Bragg peak intensity as a function of crystal depth is observed to occur in this region over a length scale $\sim$ 100 $\mu$m. This confirms a previous assertion, based on a comparison between high-energy x-rays and neutrons, that such a near surface region exists in the relaxors. Consequences to both single crystal and powder diffraction measurements and previous bulk neutron diffraction measurements on large single crystals are discussed.