Domain kinetics in congruent and stoichiometric lithium niobate

We present the investigation of domain kinetics in single crystals of congruent, stoichiometric and MgO-doped lithium niobate single crystals during polarization reversal using transparent liquid electrolyte and conductive oxide electrodes. Domain structure kinetics has been in situ visualized in transmitted light. Domain evolution significantly depends on electrode type. Jerky reconstruction of domain structure obtained for liquid electrodes while formation of charged domain walls was observed for sputtered electrodes in all investigated materials. Electrical measurements are presented for cyclic switching of MgO doped stoichiometric lithium niobate.