Study of the domain structure evolution in single crystals of relaxor ferroelectric Sr0.61Ba0.39Nb2O6:Ce1

Optical visualization with simultaneous recording of the switching current was used for studying of domain structure evolution in single crystals relaxor ferroelectric strontium barium niobate (Sr_0.61Ba_0.39Nb₂O₆) doped by cerium (0.22 mol %) (SBN61:Ce). It was shown that the maze domain structures can be observed during polarization reversal due to local change of refractive index induced by formation of microscale domains with charged domain walls. It was proposed, that optical inhomogeneities occur in the switching regions, while the optical uniform areas correspond to regions where the switching either has not started yet or has already completed. The original mathematical treatment of the obtained images and switching currents has been used for quantitative characterization of the polarization reversal process.