Domain structure of ferroelectrics observed in the scanning electron microscope

Abstract

The domain structure of TGS, BaTiO₃, Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂, PbTiO₃ was investigated with the SEM. According to accelerating voltage and probe energy various types of contrast were exhibited. In PbTiO₃ the contrast due to increased conductivity of the boundaries of opposite domains was observed. In TGS was observed the spots of charge, which are not the same with domains in contour.

The stabilization of surface potential allowed to apply the field across the sample and to observe reversal of polarization.

The bright contrast due to partual screening of polarization charge appeared when domain boundaries were moving.