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Simple method of detecting ferroelectric domains with non-phase-matched second-harmonic generation
R J Gehr1, W J Alford, A V Smith
1Department of Lasers, Optics, and Remote Sensing, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185-1423, USA.
Applied Optics
|February 15, 2008
Summary
We developed a new method to detect ferroelectric domains using non-phase-matched second-harmonic generation. Tilted domain walls create multiple beams, revealing their presence and tilt angle.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optics
- Solid State Physics
Background:
- Ferroelectric domains are crucial for material properties.
- Detecting domain structures is essential for material characterization.
- Non-phase-matched second-harmonic generation (NPM-SHG) is a nonlinear optical phenomenon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel method for detecting ferroelectric domains.
- To utilize NPM-SHG for visualizing domain structures.
- To quantify domain wall tilt using optical measurements.
Main Methods:
- Employing non-phase-matched second-harmonic generation (NPM-SHG).
- Analyzing the far-field second-harmonic light pattern.
- Measuring the angular separation of generated beams.
Main Results:
- Ferroelectric domain boundaries tilted relative to crystal faces produce multiple far-field SHG beams.
- Single-domain crystals generate a single SHG beam.
- The angular separation of beams correlates with domain wall tilt.
Conclusions:
- NPM-SHG offers a viable technique for ferroelectric domain detection.
- The method allows for the determination of domain wall tilt angles.
- This optical approach provides insights into ferroelectric material microstructures.
