AFM OBSERVATION OF FERROELECTRIC DOMAINS ON TGS CLEAVAGE SURFACE

Utilizing an atomic force microscope (AFM), we observed the cleavage s urface of triglycine sulfate [TGS; (NH2CH2COOH)(3)H2SO4] cleaved near Curie point in the atmosphere. Adopting the constant height mode in th e repulsive force region, the contrast of lenticular domain patterns r eversed for the opposite direction scans parallel to the cleavage dire ction. The change in the contrast may result from the difference in th e frictional force due to the structure of the ferroelectric domains o n the cleavage surface.