Evolution of the domain structure during polarization reversal in relaxor SBN single crystals studied by Cerenkov-type second harmonic generation microscopy

The evolution of the domain structure during polarization reversal in single crystals of a relaxor ferroelectric strontium-barium niobate (Sr0.61Ba0.39Nb2O6) doped with 0.05 wt.% Ni2O3 was investigated. The domains in the crystal bulk were imaged by Cerenkov-type second harmonic generation microscopy. Three types of domains were revealed: (1) domains with a broad boundary, (2) cylindrical domains, and (3) conical domains. Three stages of the domain shape evolution were distinguished in the domain with a broad boundary. The velocities of the sideways wall motion and forward domain growth were measured for all the domain types.

Automated summary

The evolution of domain structure during polarization reversal in single crystals of a relaxor ferroelectric strontium-barium niobate doped with Ni2O3 was investigated. Three types of domains were identified, including domains with a broad boundary, cylindrical domains, and conical domains. Three stages of domain shape evolution were distinguished in the domain with a broad boundary, and the velocities of wall motion and domain growth were measured for all types of domains.