Observation of the domain structure of ferroelectrics with the scanning electron microscope

New modes of visualization of ferroelectric domains in the SEM were developed. The crystallographic contrast on a-c domains in PbTiO3 single crystals was observed due to channeling of electrons. It was possible to observe domains in a PZT-family of ceramics through a thin conductive gold electrode using increased accelerating voltage (to 15 kV). The electron stimulated polarization current mode is based on variation of the polarization under action of a probe penetrating through a metal electrode. Barkhausen jumps were used for creating a map of domains.