EFFECTS OF X-RAY-IRRADIATION UPON SWITCHING IN POTASSIUM DIHYDROGEN PHOSPHATE

Ferroelectric polarization reversal in radiation damaged KH2PO4 (KDP) was monitored using the switching current technique first developed by Merz. The experimental results show extinction of the switching curve after an 8hr exposure to x-rays. The switching curve returns after annealing at room temperature. Approximately one hundred switching transients were recorded for seven samples with applied electric fields of 90 V/cm to 850 V/cm. Samples were irradiated, annealed at room temperature, again exposed to radiation, and then again annealed. After each exposure the switching curve vanished and then returned after annealing.