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Ferroelectrics exhibit a spontaneous dipole moment whose orientation can be determined by the application of electric fields. This allows for the controlled fabrication of ferroelectric domain patterns which are, for instance, in use for efficient frequency doubling using quasi phase matching. Although known since more than fifty years, and intensively investigated for applications, lots of basic knowledge and understanding of ferroelectrics is still missing. To start with, I will briefly introduce ferroelectrics as a material itself, and in particular show the potential of domain-structured ferroelectrics. In the main part of my talk I will discuss the possibilities of scanning probe microscopy (SFM) for a better understanding of ferroelectrics and also ferroelectric domains. Finally, I will present our results on structuring lithium niobate surfaces.

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Elisabeth Sörgel, Universität Bonn
Seminar Room of the Institute of Physics II
Contact: Thomas Michely