Observation of Domain Structure in Triglycine Sulfate by a Pyroelectric Probe Technique

Abstract

Ferroelectric domain structure in triglycine sulfate (TGS) was observed by a system based on a pyroelectric probe technique. A light beam from a laser diode was focused on the surface of a TGS specimen, and the specimen was two-dimensionally scanned by an X-Y pulse stage. Analyzing the pyroelectric signal, we obtained high-resolution domain patterns. The whole system was controlled with a computer. The scanning area was from 0.5×0.5 mm2 to 10×10 mm2. Imaging of an area took about 30 min. Changes of domain structure caused by successive application of pulsed electric field were also examined. Some interesting results concerning the domain dynamics in TGS were obtained.

Growth and characterization of l-tryptophan-doped ferroelectric TGS crystals

“…The domains in the majority of the crystals are rod shaped with lenticular cross-sections elongated in the direction perpendicular to the crystallographic c-axis [7] for imaging the ferroelectric domain. Several methods like surface etching [8] pyroelectric technique [9] were used. Efforts have been made to improve the ferroelectric properties of the TGS family crystals by doping with various amino acids [10].…”

Dielectric Dispersion in the Middle of Polarization Reversal in Triglycine Sulfate Crystals

“…Next, the sample was applied positive DC poling field for a short time than its switching time. Then the domain pattern is observed using a pyroelectric probe technique [6].…”

Microwave frequency ferroelectric domain imaging of deuterated triglycine sulfate crystals

“…8 A pyroelectric probe involves locally heating the sample with a laser and detecting the sign of the pyroelectric current. 9 Second harmonic generation of reflected light is sensitive to the direction of polarization relative to the incident beam, when the beam is at an angle to the surface. 10 Electrostatic force microscopy can be used to image domains by measuring the local sign of the piezoelectric coefficient.…”