Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 1, 2026

Measuring Magnetically-Tuned Ferroelectric Polarization in Liquid Crystals
Published on: August 15, 2018
Ultrafast Reversal of the Ferroelectric Polarization
R Mankowsky1, A von Hoegen1, M Först1
1Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter, 22761 Hamburg, Germany.
Abstract:
We report on the demonstration of ultrafast optical reversal of the ferroelectric polarization in LiNbO_{3}. Rather than driving the ferroelectric mode directly, we couple to it indirectly by resonant excitation of an auxiliary high-frequency phonon mode with femtosecond midinfrared pulses. Because of strong anharmonic coupling between these modes, the atoms are directionally displaced along the ferroelectric mode and the polarization is transiently reversed, as revealed by time-resolved, phase-sensitive, second-harmonic generation. This reversal can be induced in both directions, a key prerequisite for practical applications.
Related Concept Videos
Ferromagnetism
Dielectric Polarization in a Capacitor
Induced Electric Dipoles
Since the absolute value of potential energy holds no physical meaning, its zero value can be chosen as per...
Potential Due to a Polarized Object
Insensitive Nuclei Enhanced by Polarization Transfer (INEPT)
Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Relaxation Processes

