Detection mechanism for ferroelectric domain boundaries with lateral force microscopy

TL;DR

This paper reveals that electrostatic interactions, rather than mechanical deformation, primarily cause contrast in ferroelectric domain boundary imaging with lateral force microscopy.

Contribution

It challenges the conventional view by demonstrating electrostatic forces as the dominant contrast mechanism through quantitative analysis and comparative experiments.

Findings

Electrostatic interactions dominate the contrast mechanism.

Mechanical deformation plays a minor role.

Quantitative force analysis supports the electrostatic explanation.

Abstract

The contrast mechanism for the visualization of ferroelectric domain boundaries with lateral force microscopy is generally assumed to be caused by mechanical deformation of the sample due to the converse piezoelectric effect. We show, however, that electrostatic interactions between the charged tip and the electric fields arising from the surface polarization charges dominate the contrast mechanism. This explanation is sustained by quantitative analysis of the measured forces as well as by comparative measurements on different materials.