Study of ferroelectric switching by domain-wall induced light scattering

Measurements of 90$^\circ$-scattering of weak laser light are used to investigate pulsed domain switching in ferroelectrics. The studies were performed on Strontium-Barium Niobate (SBN) single crystals. A good agreement of the switching parameters estimated from the optical measurements with those obtained by means of conventional electrical methods proves the validity of the optical method for switching studies. Due to the limited scattering volume in all three spatial dimensions the method facilitates a local probing of the switching within the crystal bulk. Particularly, local specialities of the domain density can be detected. Furthermore, the excellent time resolution inherent to optical probing techniques allows for a comprehensive study of the dynamics.