Domain Engineering in Lithium Niobate and Lithium Tantalate: Domain Wall Motion

Abstract

The main aspects of domain engineering in LiNbO ₃ and LiTaO ₃ representing field induced formation of the tailored domains are discussed. The special attention is paid to sideways domain wall motion. Experimentally observed wall motion scenarios have been classified. It is discovered that the realization of the given scenario is defined by degree of deviation of the switching conditions from equilibrium characterized by ratio between switching and screening rates. It has been proved that the domain growth acceleration after merging is due to formation of super-fast X-oriented walls. The loss of wall shape stability and formation of nano-domains have been considered.

Keywords:

• Periodical poling
• nano-domains
• self-assembling
• domain wall
• ferroelectric
• domain engineering
• lithium niobate
• lithium tantalate

Acknowledgments

The research was made possible in part by Grant 03-51-6562 of INTAS; by Grant 04-02-16770 of RFBR; by Grant 03-02-39004 of RFBR-NNSF; by Grant 04-02-04007 of RFBR-DFG and by Grants 48859, 49130 and RNP 2.1.1.8272 of Program “Development of the Scientific Potential of High Education” of Federal Agency of Education; by Award No. EK-005-X1 of the U.S. CRDF BRHE and Federal Agency of Education; by Grant RUE1-5037-EK-04 of CRDF FSTM.