AFM Observation of Ferroelectric Domains on TGS Cleavage Surface

Abstract

Utilizing an atomic force microscope (AFM), we observed thecleavage surface of triglycine sulfate [TGS;(NH₂CH₂COOH)₃H₂SO₄]cleaved near Curie point in the atmosphere. Adoptingthe constant height mode in the repulsive force region, the contrast of lenticular domain patterns reversed forthe opposite direction scans parallel to the cleavage direction.The change in the contrast may result from the difference inthe frictional force due to the structure of the ferroelectricdomains on the cleavage surface.