Some observations on switched single crystal barium titanate

Abstract

Observations are given on etched single crystal barium titanate in various polarization states. In the state in which the polarization has ‘decayed’ it is shown that very little of the crystal exhibits domain structure. It is suggested that the formation of such a structure is inhibited if sideways growth of domains occurs. Examination of ‘half switched’ crystals has shown that there is initially a very complex surface pattern of domains which will resolve itself within a minute or two to the normal pattern showing fairly good correspondence between top and bottom surfaces of the same crystal. It is possible that an enhanced surface layer appears during switching, which effectively masks the normal domain pattern.