Applied Physics Letters · 1993 · 21 citations · 3 references
Natural SciencesMaterials EngineeringMaterials ScienceCrystal StructureSurface ChemistrySurface ScienceFerroelectric CeramicsFerroelectric MaterialsInduced PolarizationSurface ChargeSurface PhysicsFerroelectric CrystalsFerroelectric Domain FormationFerroelectric PropertiesFerroelectricityHeat Treatment EffectsSpace Charge DistributionSurface DomainsSurface Layers
A space charge field model to explain the mechanism of a ferroelectric domain inversion phenomenon in proton-exchanged LiTaO3 has been proposed. This model predicts that single-domain layers could be formed on both surfaces of a proton-exchanged multidomain LiTaO3 plate without application of external electric fields. Experimental results demonstrating this prediction are reported. It is shown that the single-domain surface layers formed had spontaneous polarizations directed outward from the plate. This suggests the existence of a space charge field near the surfaces.
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