Domain Dynamics of C-Axis Polarization in Bismuth Titanate Crystals

Abstract:

Polarization switching and domain dynamics in unpoled and poled crystals of bismuth titanate by applying electric field along the crystallographic c axis were investigated through polarization measurements and domain observations by optical microscope and piezoelectric force microscope. Poled crystals showed a well-saturated polarization hysteresis with a remanent polarization of 4.4 μC/cm2 and a coercive field of 4.7 kV/cm. Domain observations reveal that lenticular domain acts as an initial nucleus during polarization switching. The sidewise motion of the lenticular-domain walls and resultant single domain state were easily established for the poled crystals, while the lenticular domains observed in unpoled crystals were clamped even though a high electric field was applied to them.