SEM STUDIES OF DOMAINS IN KTIOPO4 CRYSTALS

Domain structures of as-grown and electrically poled KTiOPO4 (KTP) cry stals were studied on polished polar and nonpolar surfaces by SEM meth od. The results demonstrate different contrast origin of domains and d omain boundaries. It is shown that opposite in sign pyroelectric poten tials for C- and C- domains is the reason for the domain contrast in a ''Fast'' electron scanning mode, whilst domain boundaries are reveale d due to a converse piezoelectric effect. It is assumed that in a ''Sl ow'' regime asymmetric electron processes in KTP ferroelectrics define the domain contrast both on polar and nonpolar surfaces. It is propos ed to use the developed method for testing periodic domain patterns of KTP optical frequency doublers.