Abstract:
A method of fixing polarization-reversed regions formed in a ferroelectric single crystal with ease and an optical element containing such a ferroelectric single crystal are provided. The method of fixing the polarization-reversed regions formed in a ferroelectric single crystal is characterized by including a step of irradiating an ion beam or a neutral beam on the ferroelectric single crystal where polarization-reversed regions are formed. An optical element containing such a ferroelectric single crystal is characterized by being manufactured by a method including such a step.
Abstract:
A method of fixing a polarization-reversed region formed in a ferroelectric single crystal, including preparing a ferroelectric single crystal having a polarization-reversed region; and irradiating an ion beam or a neutral beam on the ferroelectric single crystal. The ferroelectric single crystal is a substantially stoichiometric lithium tantalate single crystal or a substantially stoichiometric lithium niobate single crystal, and the polarization-reversed region is fixed and any back switch and expansion of the polarization-reversed region are suppressed.