Light-induced ordering of nanodomains in lithium tantalate as a result of multiple scanning by IR laser irradiation

The ordering of a light-induced structure of isolated circular ferroelectric nanodomains was discovered in lithium tantalate crystals under multiple scanning by infrared laser irradiation. The effect was considered as domain arising and growth under the action of alternating in sign pyroelectric field arising during sample heating and subsequent cooling. The circular domains appeared due to 1D to 2D shape transformation after the second scan and grew during subsequent scanning by merging with arising domains accompanied by shape restoration. The ordering of the domain pattern during multiple scanning characterized by an increase in the peak of the autocorrelation function was attributed to domain interaction. This mechanism was confirmed by computer simulation using the kinetic approach based on the analogy between the growth of domains and crystals. It was demonstrated that the quasi-regular pattern of one-size circular domains could be created by scanning with shift. The discovered domain ordering effect is similar to that in magnetic materials.

Automated summary

The ordering of isolated circular ferroelectric nanodomains was observed in lithium tantalate crystals through multiple scanning with infrared laser irradiation. This ordering effect was attributed to domain formation and growth under the influence of alternating pyroelectric field during heating and cooling processes. Circular domains appeared due to 1D to 2D shape transformation and grew by merging with newly formed domains during subsequent scanning. The ordering of the domain pattern was characterized by an increase in the autocorrelation function peak, indicating domain interaction. This mechanism was confirmed through computer simulation based on the analogy between domain and crystal growth. The discovered domain ordering effect bears similarity to similar effects in magnetic materials.