Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Measuring Magnetically-Tuned Ferroelectric Polarization in Liquid Crystals
Published on: August 15, 2018
Light deflection from ferroelectric domain structures in congruent lithium tantalate crystals
Manfred Müller1, Elisabeth Soergel, Karsten Buse
1Physikalisches Institut der Universität Bonn, Wegelerstrasse 8, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
Abstract:
Congruently grown lithium tantalate crystals containing ferroelectric domain structures have been illuminated with ultraviolet light along the crystallographic c axis with simultaneous application of an external electric field. This gives rise to a star-shaped light diffraction pattern in the transmitted beam. The characteristics of this phenomenon are investigated and compared with those observed in lithium niobate crystals.
Related Concept Videos
Imperfections in Crystal Structure: Stoichiometric Point Defects
Determination of Crystal Structures
X-ray Crystallography
Diffraction
Diffraction is the change in the direction of travel experienced by an electromagnetic wave when it encounters a physical barrier whose dimensions are comparable to those of the wavelength of the light. X-rays are electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths about as long as the distance between neighboring...

