Effects of Domain Shapes on Second-Harmonic Scattering in Triglycine Sulfate

Abstract

A general description is given of the second-harmonic scattering of light by domains in a ferroelectric crystal. In addition to the usual second-harmonic beam, one observes second-harmonic light in new directions. The angular pattern of scattered light depends upon domain shapes. Plane parallel or cylindrical domains give very different diffraction diagrams. An experimental observation of this phenomenon in triglycine sulfate is given, where the variation of the second-harmonic intensity is correlated to changes in the domain structure. The anisotropy of the domains's cross sections leads to an anisotropic diffraction pattern.