Atomic force microscopy of domains and volume holograms in Sr0.61Ba0.39Nb2O6:Ce3+

Abstract
Ferroelectric domains have been investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) within c planes of Sr0.61Ba0.39Nb2O6:Ce3+ at room temperature. The structures are observed during polarization switching in noncontact and contact mode. They are due to piezoelectric and electrostrictive indentations, respectively. Volume holographic recording has been visualized on a planes by AFM via surface corrugation. It is due to light-induced charge-density waves along the polar c axis and nondiagonal piezoelectric coupling.