Regular ferroelectric domain array in lithium niobate crystals for nonlinear optic applications

We present our experimental investigations of the domain evolution in lithi um niobate. Particular attention is paid to the short-pitch and nanoscale d omain patterning. We demonstrate the production of domain patterns with per iod down to 2.6 mu m in 0.5-mm-thick LiNbO(3)wafers by backswitched poling using lithographic stripe electrodes and nanoscale domain patterns consisti ng of strictly oriented arrays of nanodomains (diameter down to 30 nm, dens ity up to 100 mu m(-2)).