Alteration of Domain Microstructure by Ultrasound In Lithium Niobate

TL;DR

This paper reports the first observation of ultrasound-induced ferroelectric domain reorientation in lithium niobate, identified through X-ray reflection and etching, occurring under specific acoustic deformation conditions.

Contribution

It introduces the novel finding of ultrasound affecting ferroelectric domains in lithium niobate and identifies the role of domain boundaries in this process.

Findings

First observation of ultrasound-induced domain reorientation in LiNbO3

Reorientation occurs at acoustic deformation of ~1E-5 in MHz range

Domain boundaries are involved in the reorientation process

Abstract

A reorientation of the ferroelectric domains under an action of ultrasound in LiNbO3 is observed for the first time. The involvement of the ferroelectric domain boundaries is experimentally identified by the analysis of X-ray reflection and crystal etching. The reorientation of the domains takes place under acoustic deformation of the order of 1E-5 in megahertz frequency range.