Imaging ferroelectric domains in multiferroics using a low-energy electron microscope in the mirror operation mode

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a method for imaging ferroelectric domains in multiferroic materials using low-energy electron microscopy in mirror mode, achieving high resolution and rapid imaging compared to traditional techniques.

Contribution

It introduces a novel application of low-energy electron microscopy in mirror mode for imaging ferroelectric domains with submicron resolution in multiferroics.

Findings

Successful imaging of ferroelectric domains in bismuth ferrite

Comparison shows LEE microscopy is faster than PFM

High sensitivity to surface electric potential variations

Abstract

We report on low-energy electron microscopy imaging of ferroelectric domains with submicron resolution. Periodic strips of 'up' and 'down'-polarized ferroelectric domains in bismuth ferrite -a room temperature multiferroic- serve as a model system to compare low-energy electron microscopy with the established piezoresponse force microscopy. The results confirm the possibility of full-field imaging of ferroelectric domains with short acquisition times by exploiting the sensitivity of ultraslow electrons to small variations of the electric potential near surfaces in the "mirror" operation mode.