Piezoresponse force microscopy studies of domains in PbFe_1/2Nb_1/2O₃ ceramics

ABSTRACT

Li-doped PbFe_1/2Nb_1/2O₃ ferroelectric ceramics was investigated by the Piezoresponse Force Microscopy (PFM) and Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM) methods. Areas with principally different piezoresponse were observed at the PFM images. The stripe-like structures were revealed, which seem to be either 110±4° or 67±4° ferroelectric domains. The electric potential contours of the KPFM images demonstrate a significant discrepancy with the surface topography, which may be valuable for characterization of the samples.

KEYWORDS:

• PbFe_1/2Nb_1/2O₃
• PFN
• domains
• piezoresponse force microscopy
• Kelvin probe force microscopy

Funding

This work was partially supported by Southern Federal University (grant 213.01-2014/011-VG). IPR acknowledges support from the Ministry of Education and Science of Russian Federation under research project 3.1649.2017/pp.