Recording of domains by an electron beam on the surface of +Z cuts of lithium niobate

Using an electron beam, spontaneous polarization on the surface of +Z cuts of lithium niobate crystals of various compositions is switched. Domains 100–200 nm in size are formed in a thin surface layer, with the thickness dependent on the primary-electron energy. The sizes of segments, on which submicron domains are formed, exceed the sizes of the irradiation region. The distributions of domains on the surface in crystals of various compositions are different and depend on the method of moving the electron beam and irradiation conditions. The results are discussed in the context of notions on the charging of dielectric materials by the electron beam. It is assumed that the spontaneous polarization in the surface layer of +Z cuts of lithium niobates is switched by the field of a double layer of charges formed as a result of the charging process near the surface.