THERMAL POLARIZATION REVERSAL OF LITHIUM-NIOBATE

An approach for polarization reversal of lithium niobate has been demonstrated. The method involves laser generated thermal pulses in the presence of a uniform electric field, on the -z faces of lithium niobate. Laser input energies in the range 40-90 mJ per pulse and a wavelength of 532 nm, for applied fields as low as 187 V/cm on samples at 400°C, caused domain inversion. Observation of the inversion was carried out on a scanning electron microscope at a low primary electron energy of 2 keV and a probe current of under 25 pA so that no conductive layer was needed. This new poling method has the advantage of being simple to use, region specific and hence suitable for patterning, and does not require a vacuum chamber.© 1995 American Institute of Physics.