Field Induced Twin Structure in LiRbSO₄

Abstract

Ferroelastic transformation twins in LiRbSO₄ were observed by means of X-ray diffraction and the polarizing microscope. It has been found that {110} and {130} twins can be induced in an untwinned crystal by applying an electric field at room temperature in the paraelectric phase. This ferroelastic twin wall motion results from an electrostrictive effect. The same effect can also be observed in (NH₄)₂SO₄ crystals. These electrically driven wall motions are the first example of its type among ferroelastic crystals.