Direct probing of charge injection and polarization-controlled ionic mobility on ferroelectric LiNbo3 surfaces

Abstract

Mapping surface potential with time-resolved Kelvin probe force microscopy (tr-KPFM) in LiNbO3 periodically poled single crystals reveals activation of the surface ionic subsystem. Electric fields of certain strength induce injection of charge, formation of an active region in its vicinity and uneven distribution of screening charge on the opposite ferroelectric domains. Tr-KPFM technique allows investigating these phenomena in details. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.