Domain kinetics during polarization reversal in 36° Y-cut congruent lithium niobate

We present experimental study of domain kinetics in 36° Y-cut congruent lithium niobate during polarization reversal by increasing external electric field using liquid electrodes. The motion of the domain walls has been imaged on the Z_s+ and Z_s-polar surfaces of the crystal simultaneously. The linear dependence of the threshold field on the field rate has been revealed. The threshold field in low field rate limit has been estimated as 32.8 ± 0.3 kV/mm, which is lower than predicted value. The switching process for polarization reversal in the constant field has dramatically accelerated with increase of external electrical field above threshold. The new approach, which accelerates significantly the in situ study of 3D domain kinetics in CLN crystals, has been demonstrated. (paper)