Nanoscale Domain Effects in Ferroelectrics. Formation and Evolution of Self-Assembled Structures in LiNbO₃ and LiTaO₃

Abstract

We discuss the most interesting nanoscale domain effects resulting in formation and evolution of self-assembled domain structures in various representatives of LiNbO ₃ and LiTaO ₃ family. Several exotic domain kinetic scenarios for complete suppression of the classical wall motion have been revealed. It has been shown that the modification of the surface layer allows to obtain: (1) the wall motion controlled by merging with nanoscale domains generated in front of the moving wall and (2) the discrete switching by enlargement of the web-like self-assembled ensemble of isolated domains. The formation of nanoscale quasi-periodic and self-similar structures during cooling after pulse heating without any application of external electric field was studied. It has been shown that all experimental results can be explained, if the retardation of the bulk screening of the depolarization field is taken into account.

Keywords:

• Domain kinetics
• nano-scale 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 06-02-08149 of RFBR; by Grant 04-02-04007 of RFBR-DFG; by Grant 05-02-19648 of RFBR-CNRS; by Grants RNP 2.1.1.8272 of Program “Development of the Scientific Potential of High Education” of the Federal Agency of Education; by PhD Award RNP 2.2.2.3.10017/Y4-P-05-11 of the Federal Agency of Education and U.S. CRDF BRHE; by Contract 02.513.11.3128 of Federal Agency of Science and Innovation.