Structures of Ferroelectric Domains in Triglycine Sulfate

Domain structures in ferroelectric glycine sulfate are studied by etching in various alcohols. Methyl alcohol etches the head of polarization more readily than the tail end, and gives, in a relatively short time, clear domain patterns. Moreover, this etchant etches the (001) surface very slowly and after a long time delineates the arranging manner of domains along the polarization axis. Domain boundaries have cylindrical surfaces parallel to b axis, but the sections perpendicular to the axis are quite indefinite in dimensition and direction. Domain terminated with a rounded tip in the antiparallell domain was observed. Crystal imperfection seems to have a considsrable effect on the domain structure of this crystal. Some preliminary studies of domain wall motion under the application of electric field are also reported.