Submicron periodical poling in Z-cut lithium niobate thin films

The creation of the stripe domain structures with submicron periods by local switching using a biased tip of a scanning probe microscope was studied on Z-cut of lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI). The width of isolated stripe domains and duty cycle of periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) were controlled by varying the voltage applied. Three types of the domain width dependences on the period were distinguished: widening, constriction, and merging. The stability of PPLN in LNOI was confirmed. Domain structures could be removed locally by a biased tip. The obtained knowledge can be used for development of the nanodomain engineering.

Automated summary

In this study, the creation of stripe domain structures with submicron periods by local switching using a biased tip of a scanning probe microscope on LNOI was investigated. It was found that the width of isolated stripe domains and duty cycle of PPLN could be controlled by varying the applied voltage. Three types of domain width dependences on the period were identified, namely widening, constriction, and merging. Additionally, the stability of PPLN in LNOI was confirmed and domain structures could be locally removed using a biased tip, providing valuable insights for nanodomain engineering.