Perturbations of a dielectric tensor induced by domain walls of periodic domain structures in ferroelectric crystals: contribution to the Bragg diffraction of light waves

Abstract

We consider the perturbations of a dielectric tensor induced by 180 degree domain walls parallel to the YZ and XZ crystal planes (Y-walls and X-walls), which are intrinsic to periodic domain structures produced in ferroelectric crystals belonging to the symmetry class 3m. The conditions for realization of different types of Bragg-diffraction processes, including the collinear process, as applied to lithium niobate and lithium tantalate crystals, are discussed. It is shown that light diffraction on the domain walls is responsible for significant contribution to the diffraction efficiency of electrically controllable Bragg deflectors using a periodically poled lithium niobate.