Microstructure of ferroelectric domains in BaTiO3 observed via x-ray microdiffraction

X-ray microdiffraction utilizing Fresnel zone plate focusing optics has been used to study microstructural properties of individual 90 degree ferroelectric domains in BaTiO3. Diffraction measurements at a microfocused spot resolution of 0.3 microm over domain widths of approximately 10 microm unambiguously reveal features of lattice buckling, rotation, and strain near domain boundaries. Our results may be understood within the context of bound residual strain due to lattice mismatch and elastic interactions between neighboring domains.