Influence of the Electron Irradiation on Ferroelectric Domain and Domain Boundary Potential States in Ferroelastic Crystal Tb₂(MoO₄)₃

Abstract

The surface potential induced by electron beam irradiation in ferroelectric domains of terbium molybdate Tb ₂ (MoO ₄ ) ₃ has been investigated. Comparative characterisation of the domain surface has been revealed from measurements of secondary electron yield during and after the sample irradiation in the SEM at accelerated voltages of (1–2) kV. At higher electron beam energy a domain boundary contrast was appeared as a result of negative surface charging. Peculiarities of the charge boundary contrast were investigated and analysed.

Keywords:

• electron irradiation
• scanning electron microscopy
• ferroelastic-ferroelectric Tb₂(MoO₄)₃
• charging effect
• domain
• domain wall

Acknowledgment

This work was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (Contract No. 06-02-16104).