Optical study of ferroelectric materials

Abstract

In this thesis the optical properties of ferroelectric materials are studied. The study originates from cooperation with Tokyo University of Science and work group of prof. Soichiro Okamura which made and provided the samples. The PZT Pb[Zr0.44 Ti0.56 ]O3 (lead zirconate titanate oxide) is our subject of investigation. The optical properties of sample are studied by spectroscopic ellipsometry. The modification of current experimental equipment to allow measurement in external electric field is part of the thesis. The results summarize the response of the sample on applied external electric field. The theoretical part mainly deals with mathematical description of electrooptics and the restriction of the symmetry of the permittivity tensor restriction in external electric field. The polarized state of light and basics of the ellipsometry are described as well.