V.Ya. Shur - Dr. Sc. (Phys.-Math.), Professor, Ural Federal University. E-mail: vladimir.shur@urfu.ru

The paper presents the review of the recent achievements in domain nanotechnology (formation of nanoscale domain structure) in single crystals of lithium niobate and lithium tantalate family. The main problems of the periodical poling with submicron periods have been dis-cussed. Several modern methods have been used for studying the micro- and nano-domain structures with high spatial resolution. The main stages of the domain evolution have been revealed. The methods of the polarization reversal in highly non-equilibrium switching conditions applied for creation of the nanodomain structures include: (1) superfast switching under the action of residual depolarization field, (2) creation of the artificial surface dielectric layer, (3) switching by pyroelectric field. The main role of the screening ineffective-ness has been demonstrated. The obtained results allowed to fabricate the periodically poled lithium niobate and lithium tantalate crys-tals for light frequency conversion with high efficiency and creation of the photonic devices with improved characteristics.

 

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