摘要： Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 (PMN–PT) single crystals have attracted increasing attention in electro-optic and nonlinear optical applications. In this paper, it was found that the domain configuration of PMN–PT single crystals was influenced by machining and electric process, such as cutting, grinding, polishing, and electrical field poling. The ordered herringbone/stripe domain pattern can be changed into an unexpected disordered domain state in tetragonal PMN–PT crystals which was observed in some crystal samples. Those chaotic structures can decrease transmittance and increase possibility of cracking during poling. However, the disordered domain pattern can be eliminated by a temperature cycling process. Crack-free single-domain crystals were successfully obtained by electric field poling, exhibiting complete optical extinction in an orthogonal polarized light microscope. The results suggest that the domain configuration of PMN–PT single crystals is sensitive to machining process and can be controlled by proper temperature and electric field.