SFM in acoustic mode and its applications to observation of ferroelectric domain

Ferroelectric domain structures as well as other surface topologies such as grain boundaries and scratches in transparent (PbLa)(ZrTi)O3 (PLZT) ceramics and BaTiO3 ceramics have been respectively investigated by scanning probe acoustic microscopy (SPAM). A periodic striation-like domain pattern has been imaged. The observed SPAM domain contrast is related to acoustic signals generated through a local piezoelectric coupling mechanism. The submicron domain structure was confirmed by scanning force microscopy (SFM) in the piezoresponse mode.