On the Ferroelectric Phase of Lead Orthovanadate Pb₃(VO₄)₂ Crystal

Abstract

X-ray scattering experiments of Pb₃(VO₄)₂ using a monodomain crystal were carried out above and below the ferroelectric transition temperature T_C=273 K. The space groups were confirmed to be C_2h⁵-P2₁⁄c and C₂³-A2 above and below T_C, respectively. The ferroelastic and ferroelectric phase transitions with decreasing temperature are due to the instabilities at the F-point and the Γ-point, respectively, of the high-temperature trigonal phase.