The Ferroelectric Domain Structures Induced by Electron Beam Scanning in Lithium Niobate

Ferroelectric domain structure has been formed under the action of electron beam scanning in congruent lithium niobate singlecrystal covered by surface dielectric layer. The obtained types of the domain patterns have been considered as subsequent stagesof domain structure evolution. The dependence on irradiated charge density of domain density, length, and period of domain raysand stripe domain width was used for characterization of the domain structure evolution. The threshold irradiated charge densitynecessary for the formation of solid stripe domain has been revealed. All obtained results have been discussed in terms of kineticapproach based on the analogy between domain structure evolution and first-order phase transition