Characterization of ferroelectric domains by the use of scanning near-field acoustic microscopies

As a nondestructive and subsurface detecting technique, scanning near field acoustic microscopy (SNAM) with different operation modes is applied to st udy ferroelectric domain structures in BaTiO3 ceramics at sub-micrometer sc ale. Furthermore, by comparison with results of the conventional Scanning E lectron Acoustic Microscopy (SEAM), the ferroelectric domain structures at different surface depths of the material can be detected nondestructively. In order to study the dynamic properties of ferroelectric domains, the ferr oelectric domains of the same ceramics have been imaged at different temper atures near the Curie Temperature. The results showed that the ferroelectri c domains disappeared over the Curie Temperature, and abruptly changed the polarization at certain temperature points under the Curie Temperature. By these examples it will be demonstrated, how these near-field acoustic micro scopies are complimentary techniques for the nondestructive research of fer roelectric materials.