Domain merging in LaBGeO₅ single crystals

Abstract

LaBGeO₅ crystals emerged as the most promising candidates for UV laser sources based on a frequency conversion. Creation of periodical domain structures in LaBGeO₅ for frequency conversion requires control of domains merging. Here, we studied domain structure evolution during domain merging with Cherenkov-type SHG microscopy. In low fields, two scenarios of domain merging were distinguished: “shape stability effect” and “jerky wall motion effect”. The formation of concave angles after merging led to appearance of fast domain walls. In high fields, the difference between slow and fast wall velocities diminished and merging did not result in domain wall acceleration.

Keywords:

• Polarization reversal
• domain structure kinetics
• domain merging
• ferroelectric
• Cherenkov-type second harmonic generation

Acknowledgments

The equipment of the Ural Center for Shared Use “Modern Nanotechnology” of Ural Federal University was used.

Additional information

Funding

The research was made possible by the Russian Science Foundation (project No. 19-12-00210).