Kinetics of ferroelectric domains: Application of general approach to LiNbO3 and LiTaO3

The most interesting aspects of the domain structure kinetics in ferroelectrics important for "domain engineering" are reviewed and discussed in the framework of a unified nucleation approach. In this approach, the nucleation rate is determined by the local value of electric field produced not only by bound charges and voltage applied to the electrodes, but also by screening charges. As a result, any kinetically produced domain pattern, even being far from the equilibrium, can be stabilised by bulk screening. The domain evolution represents a self-organising process in which the screening of polarisation plays the role of feedback. The general approach was used to describe the domain kinetics in LiNbO3 and LiTaO3 as the most versatile materials for applications. The revealed original scenarios of the domain structure evolution are attributed to the retardation of the screening processes. The decisive role of screening effectiveness for shapes of individual domains and scenarios of the sideways domain wall motion is shown both experimentally and by computer simulation. The possibility to produce self-assembled nano-scale domain structures with controlled periods is shown. 55 refs.