Effects of X-Ray irradiation upon switching in potassium dihydrogen phosphate.

Abstract

Ferroelectric polarization reversal in radiation damaged KH₂PO₄, (KDP) was monitored using the switching current technique first developed by Merz. The experimental results show extinction of the switching curve after an 8hr exposure to x-rays. The switching curve returns after annealing at room temperature. Approximately one hundred switching transients were recorded for seven samples with applied electric fields of 90 V/cm to 850 V/cm. Samples were irradiated, annealed at room temperature, again exposed to radiation, and then again annealed. After each exposure the switching curve vanished and then returned after annealing.