Patterning and characterization of ferroelectric crystal lines at the glass surface by laser-induced crystallization

A technique for the patterning of ferroelectric crystal lines such as Sr0.5Ba0.5Nb2O6, LiNbO3, beta'-Gd-2(MoO4)(3) at the glass surface has been developed, i.e., transition metal atom heat processing, in which continuous wave lasers such as Nd:YAG (wavelength: lambda=1064 nm) are irradiated to the glasses containing transition metal (TM: Cu2+, Ni2+) ions. The absorbed laser results in local heating of glass, consequently inducting crystallization. By scanning laser (power: < 1W) at constant speeds such as 10 mu m/s, ferroelectric crystal lines are written successfully at the glass surface. The surface morphology and orientation of crystals in the lines are clarified from confocal laser microscope observations and polarized micro-Raman scattering spectra measurements. In some glasses, the patterning of crystal lines consisting of oriented ferroelectrics is possible.