Shape and size controls of micro-domains in LaNbO4 crystals

Necessary conditions to introduce shear stresses locally in LaNbO4 crystals and to form lenticular shaped micro-domains are investigated by a computer simulation for a three dimensional and anisotropically elastic continuum. It is shown in an experiment that a pair of lenticular domains of 0.8 μm wide and 20 μm long are introduced by counter forces (about 40 kg/mm2 each) from two stings of 10 μm at their tips. The possibility of reducing the size of domains to sub-micron scale is discussed.