Observation of electric and magnetic domains by using birefringence imaging system

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K13400
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: General applied physics
• Research Institution: Suzuka National College of Technology
• Principal Investigator: MIURA Yoko 鈴鹿工業高等専門学校, その他部局等, 准教授 (20456643)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 複屈折 / イメージング技術 / 電場誘起相転移 / ポッケルス効果 / 応力誘起複屈折 / 光弾性効果

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Optical birefringence imaging systems demonstrate a high potential for comprehensively investigating various phase transitions. This study is observation of the optical birefringence using imaging system under electric field and stress. Firstly, we automatically obtained corrected imaging data using the correction program via a background subtraction method. Next we developed the sample holders under electric field and stress. To completely demonstrate such abilities, the temperature dependence of birefringence was measured under high electric fields in quantum paraelectric material SrTiO3. As a result, electric field induced ferroelectric domains was observed. Furthermore, an isotopic crystal KNiF3 was also measured under stresses. Above 3 MPa, we found that the fast-axis rotated at 90 deg. and the retardation decreased to 0 at the same temperature although there are no structural and magnetic phase transitions.

Free Research Field

物性物理学