Visualization of static and the dynamics of domain structure in triglycine sulfate by liquid crystals

Abstract

A method of visualizing the 180°-domain structure in TGS type crystals by means of nematic liquid crystals (NLC) is described. The possibility of visualization is due to the different orientation of NLC molecules on the domains with opposite orientation. The method enables the observation of static domain structure on cleaved surfaces of TGS and domain dynamics on polished and etched surfaces. The temperature and DC-field dependences of domain motion are similar to those previously revealed by indirect methods. The AC-dependences of domain nucleation and sideward motion of domain walls are shown to be quite different in TGS crystals grown in the paraelectric and ferroelectric phases. In the latter the existence of a row structure of centres of nucleation was observed which do not coincide with growth layers.