Voltage contrast of ferroelectric domains of lithium niobate in SEM

Results of the observation of the voltage contrast between domains in lithium niobate crystals by scanning electron microscopy are reported. Z- and Y-planes perpendicular and parallel to the optical C-axis are investigated. The observed scanning electron microscopic voltage contrast is divided into the contrast between domains and the contrast of interdomain boundaries. The experimental conditions of revealing of both types of contrast are different. The results are analysed and compared with familiar data on domain observation in other ferroelectrics by this SEM-mode. (author)