Imaging of ferroelectric domains in LiTaO₃ by enviromental scanning electron microscopy

Antiparallel ferroelectric domains in LiTaO₃ single crystal can be directly imaged by using environmental scanning electron microscopy in secondary electron emission mode. Because the observation was performed at a water vapor atmosphere (wet mode), the sample surface was free from charging, therefore, no surface treatment was required. The image of domains can be seen for several hours. The technique may be extended to study domain structures in other ferroelectric crystals and ceramics.