Decay properties of artificial two-domain structures in LiNbO3 crystals studied by scanning probe microscope.

Decay processes of artificial two-domain structures with various distances in LiNbO3 crystals were carefully investigated using scanning probe microscope. The decay behavior of the composite domains is found closely related to the set domain distance. Detailed analysis indicates that the tip field mostly affects the lateral domain wall motion of the domains in two-domain structures, while the repulsive force of bound charges mainly influences vertical domain wall motion. Thin sample thickness and large domain distance are inferred beneficial for manufacturing small scaled stable domain structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]