A novel approach for nanoscale imaging and characterization of the orientation dependence of electromechanical properties-vector piezoresponse force microscopy~Vector PFM!-is described. The relationship between local electromechanical response, polarization, piezoelectric constants, and crystallographic orientation is analyzed in detail. The image formation mechanism in vector PFM is discussed. Conditions for complete three-dimensional~3D! reconstruction of the electromechanical response vector and evaluation of the piezoelectric constants from PFM data are set forth. The developed approach can be applied to crystallographic orientation imaging in piezoelectric materials with a spatial resolution below 10 nm. Several approaches for data representation in 2D-PFM and 3D-PFM are presented. The potential of vector PFM for molecular orientation imaging in macroscopically disordered piezoelectric polymers and biological systems is discussed.

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Laser-fabrication of complex, highly oriented three-dimensional ferroelectric single crystal architecture with straight lines and bends is demonstrated in lanthanum borogermanate model glass using a high repetition rate femtosecond laser. Scanning micro-Raman microscopy shows that the c-axis of the ferroelectric crystal is aligned with the writing direction even after bending. A gradual rather than an abrupt transition is observed for the changing lattice orientation through bends up to approximately 14 degrees. Thus the single crystal character of the line is preserved along the bend through lattice straining rather than formation of a grain boundary.

Using a novel, selective heating by Nd:YAG laser, a single-crystal architecture is created in a model glass system, Sm 0.5 La 0.5 BGeO 5 , which devitrifies congruently into a ferroelectric phase of the same composition as the parent glass. The Sm 31 ions in glass absorb the light and heat the matrix locally resulting in devitrification. Initially, a polycrystalline spot is formed. However, with optimum laser power, scanning speed, and the depth of focus, one of the grains acts as the seed for further growth as a single crystal. By programming the relative displacement of the glass with respect to laser spot, desired single ferroelectric crystal architecture is created. The optical functionalities (guiding of light and second harmonic generation) of the architectures are shown, which demonstrate the viability of this method for constructing active elements in optical integrated circuits. The single-crystal nature of the architecture is confirmed from the electron backscattered diffraction results.