Simultaneous observation of nano-sized ferroelectric domains and surface morphology using scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy

A new type of scanning nonlinear dielectric microscope (SNDM), with an additional function of simultaneous observation of surface morphology, has been developed. This was achieved by using an electrically conducting atomic force microscopy cantilever as a probe needle. Using this new SNDM, simultaneous measurements of several ferroelectric materials, such as LiNbO₃ single crystal and lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin films on SrTiO₃ substrates, were performed. Topographic and domain images, which were simultaneously taken from the same location on the materials, were successfully obtained. The result shows that nano-sized ferroelectric 180° c-c domains of PZT thin film having a good correlation with a topographic image were observed.