Real-Time Studies of Strains at Ferroelectric Domain Walls under an Applied Field

Abstract

We report on an improved method of visualizing domain wall strains in congruent ferroelectric crystals, such as LiNbO3, with Bragg x‐ray topography. Using monochromatic synchrotron undulator radiation and a magnifying x‐ray camera, we are able to image domains created by electric field poling, as well as the strain associated with the domains, in real time. With the application of an electric field below the coercive field, we observe unexpected domain wall deformations. Piezoelectric strains are also shown to create observable surface deformations. The deformations are precursors to 180° domain switching.