Introduction of Fine Engineered Domain Configuration into Potassium Niobate Single Crystals

摘要

To induce fine engineered domain configurations into potassium niobate (KNbO{sub}3) single crystals, two kinds of methods were performed, i.e., (1) high DC electric field exposure along the opposite direction of polarization of KNbO{sub}3 single-domain crystals at room temperature, and (2) introduction of randomly oriented fine domain configuration by heat treatment at 700°C and then high DC electric field exposure along [001]{sub}c direction of KNbO{sub}3 multidomain crystals at room temperature. When the method (1) was performed, finally, the poled KNbO{sub}3 crystals became to single-domain state again through the formation of multidomain state. On the other hand, the KNbO{sub}3 multidomain crystals were obtained by using the method (2), and an enhancement of piezoelectric-related properties was observed.