Piezo-response image of PZT film

 

Ferroelectric domains can be imaged using the piezo-response mode. To achieve this, images are measured in contact mode with an additional oscillatory bias potential at the tip. The piezoelectric response is then demodulated from the cantilever oscillation. The three images (1 micron edge length) of a polycrystalline Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) sample show complementary information and were simultaneously measured. The left-hand image is topography taken in contact mode AFM. The middle image is the normal polarization of the ferroelectric domains and the right-hand image shows the lateral polarization.

Sample and measurement by courtesy of R. Thapliyal, H. J. Hug; Empa Materials Science and Technology, Switzerland