Phase-mapping of periodically domain-inverted LiNbO3 with coherent X-rays

Z. H. Hu, P. A. Thomas (), A. Snigirev, I. Snigireva, A Souvorov, P. G. R. Smith, G. W. Ross and S. Teat
Additional contact information
Z. H. Hu: University of Warwick
P. A. Thomas: University of Warwick
A. Snigirev: ESRF
I. Snigireva: ESRF
A Souvorov: ESRF
P. G. R. Smith: Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton
G. W. Ross: Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton
S. Teat: Daresbury Laboratory

Nature, 1998, vol. 392, issue 6677, 690-693

Abstract: Abstract A varying refractive index across a wavefront leads to a change in the direction of propagation of the wave1,2. This provides the basis for phase-contrast imaging of transparent or weakly absorbing materials with highly coherent X-ray beams3,4. Lattice distortions can also change the direction of propagation of a wave field diffracted from a crystal. Here we report the use of this principle to effect phase-contrast imaging of the domain structure of a ferroelectric material, lithium niobate. A periodically domain-inverted structure for quasi-phase-matching of second-harmonic generation is created in this material, in which the direction of spontaneous polarization is sequentially inverted. Because of complex interactions during domain-inversion processing, this is accompanied by lattice distortions across the domain walls. These distortions split the diffracted wavefront of a beam of coherent X-rays from an advanced synchrotron source, giving rise to a pattern of interference that reflects the underlying pattern of lattice distortions. These results show that this phase-contrast imaging technique with sub-micrometre spatial resolution permits the non-destructive, highly sensitive phase-mapping of various structural defects and distortions introduced into materials during processing.

Date: 1998
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DOI: 10.1038/33637

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