Phase contrast imaging and diffraction-space mapping of periodic inversion domains in LiNbO₃ with advanced x-rays

Abstract

This paper presents some recent advances in structural characterization of periodic inversion domains in ferroelectric nonlinear optical crystals using novel techniques such as diffraction-space mapping, diffuse scattering imaging and phase-contrast imaging. The great advantages of using both highly coherent hard x-ray photons delivered by the third-generation synchrotron source and the well-defined x-ray beam provided by state-of-the-art laboratory diffractometer are addressed in terms of investigation of periodically domain-inverted LiNbO₃ crystals. The microstructural characteristics of the periodic inversion domains in LiNbO₃ are discussed, with an indication of their differences from naturally-occurring inversion domains.

Key Words:

• phase-contrast imaging
• diffraction-space maps
• domains
• LiNbO₃