Domain Structure of K₂ZnCl₄ Revealed by Replica Technique

Abstract

Thin films of In have been found to decorate the domains in the commensurate ferroelectric phase of K₂ZnCl₄. A sample which was annealed in the incommensurate phase and quenched to room temperature exhibits light and dark strips running parallel to the b-axis on the a-face. These strips having the average width of 1.3 μm correspond to domains of different polarities. The average width increased to 3.2 μm after the sample had been annealed at 100°C for three days. In addition, patterns of vortices have been observed where six domain walls meet at a point.