Domain Shape Appeared in Stoichiometric Lithium Niobate as a Result of Ion Beam Irradiation

Abstract

We have studied the formation of isolated domains induced by ion beam irradiation in the stoichiometric lithium niobate (SLN) single crystals covered by surface dielectric layer. The unusual domain shape was revealed at the irradiated polar surface at the doses above 20 pC. The nested domain shape with hexagonal outer part and circle inner one has been distinguished. The domains visualization in the bulk showed the hexagonal domain shape in the depth. The obtained effect was attributed to backswitching under the action of electric field produced by space charge dipped to LN plate at the doses above 20 pC due to essential ion beam sputtering effect.