Nanoscale surface domain formation on the +z face of lithium niobate by pulsed ultraviolet laser illumination
- Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ (United Kingdom)
Single-crystal congruent lithium niobate samples have been illuminated on the +z crystal face by pulsed ultraviolet laser wavelengths below (248 nm) and around (298-329 nm) the absorption edge. Following exposure, etching with hydrofluoric acid reveals highly regular precise domain-like features of widths {approx}150-300 nm, exhibiting distinct three-fold symmetry. Examination of illuminated unetched areas by scanning force microscopy shows a corresponding contrast in piezoelectric response. These observations indicate the formation of nanoscale ferroelectric surface domains, whose depth has been measured via focused ion beam milling to be {approx}2 {mu}m. We envisage this direct optical poling technique as a viable route to precision domain-engineered structures for waveguide and other surface applications.
- OSTI ID:
- 20636935
- Journal Information:
- Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 86, Issue 2; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.1849414; (c) 2005 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0003-6951
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Ultraviolet light-assisted domain inversion in magnesium-doped lithium niobate crystals
Micro- and nano-domain engineering in lithium niobate