Scanning electro-optic microscopy of ferroelectric domain structure with a near-field fiber probe

Year: 2011

Authors: Tikhomirov O., Labardi M., Ascoli C., Allegrini M.

Autors Affiliation: Inst Solid State Phys, Chernogolovka 142432, Russia; UOS Pisa, CNR IPCF, I-56127 Pisa, Italy; UOS Adriano Gozzini, CNR INO, I-56124 Pisa, Italy; Univ Pisa, Dipartimento Fis Enrico Fermi, I-56127 Pisa, Italy.

Abstract: Ferroelectric domain structure of barium titanate single crystals has been visualized using a fiber probe near-field microscope, combined with temporal modulation of optical signal provided by a sinusoidal electric field applied to the sample. We find that electro-optic contrast between the adjacent domains depends on the polarization of incident light not as strongly as in case of confocal microscopy. This fact is ascribed to presence of additional optical aberrations caused by the near-field arrangement confirmed by complicated approaching curve observed for the electro-optic signal. Surprising improvement in spatial resolution of the near-field electro-optic image comparing to the optical one has been observed in some cases, supporting the idea of surface-confined electro-optic modulation in qualitative agreement with the observed phenomenon. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3656731]

Journal/Review: JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS

Volume: 110 (8)      Pages from: 84117-1  to: 84117-5

More Information: This research was supported by a Marie Curie International Fellowship within the 6th European Commission Framework Programme, contract MIF CT 2004 002557, and by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Pisa.
KeyWords: Optical Microscopy; Phase-transitions; Polarization
DOI: 10.1063/1.3656731

Citations: 3
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