Real-time study of domain dynamics in ferroelectric Sr0.61 Ba0.39 Nb2 O6

Systematic studies of ferroelectric domain reversal of strontium barium niobate (Sr0.61 Ba0.4 Nb2 O6 or SBN:61) single crystals by electric-field poling using liquid electrodes are reported. In contrast with previous studies using metal electrodes, it is shown that repeated domain reversal does not lead to polarization fatigue. Real-time optical imaging of domain nucleation and growth is reported in SBN:61 using electro-optic imaging microscopy. Measurements of hysteresis loops, switching times, and domain-wall mobility as a function of applied field are reported. The domain backswitching phenomenon was absent in SBN:61 crystals.