Domain formation in ferroelectric Ba5Ti2O7Cl4

• Published in: Indian journal of pure & applied physics Vol. 41; no. 7; pp. 538 - 541
• Main Authors: Ingle, S G, Patil, N M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.07.2003
• ISSN: 0019-5596

The mechanism of domain formation in the ferroelectric Ba5Ti2O7Cl4 has been studied. It is found that, when the crystal is subjected to mechanical stress, domain structures are produced in the crystal. When these domain structures are observed under reflected light, the domain regions show linear arrays of etch pits on them. It is concluded that, the etch pits are at sites of point defects that carry appreciable strain energy with them. The arrangement of these point defects is on account of this strain energy. The ordered point defects can then reduce their strain energy by nucleation of domains around them. These nucleated micro-domains can further join each other end-to-end through piezoelectric interaction. This mechanism produces macro-domain structures in the crystal. The geometry of the micro-domain structures and the overall mechanism of domain formation is exactly similar to that observed by Ingle and co-workers in KNbO3 and PbNb2O6.