The topology and the trace of ferroelastic domains, namely W walls, of Cadoped lead orthophosphate (Pb 1−x , Ca x ) 3 (PO 4 ) 2 with a Ca content of 2.7% mol were studied on the monoclinic cleavage plane (100) using contact mode atomic force microscopy. Furthermore, conducting atomic force microscopy was applied using a bias voltage across the cantilever and the sample inducing a tunnelling current. As a reference a pure lead phosphate crystal was used. Only the Ca-doped lead phosphate crystals showed a considerable difference in conductivity between walls and the bulk. The conductivity in the bulk was found to be approximately 7% higher than in the domain walls. The experimental results show that ferroelastic domain walls of atomistic width can work as barriers to dielectric transport.
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