Electrostatic force microscopy on ferroelectric crystals in inert gas atmosphere

An electrostatic force microscope operated in inert gas atmosphere has been used to investigate the domain structure of ferroelectric crystals. The electrostatic force observed in the inert gas atmosphere is compared to that measured under ambient conditions. The domain structure of guanidinium aluminum sulfate hexahydrate has been revealed in the dynamic as well as in the static noncontact operation mode of the electrostatic force microscope. We have studied the dependence of the domain contrast on the applied external electric field in the inert gas chamber and under ambient conditions. The sign of the domain polarity could be identified in the static operation mode of our microscope.