Studies of phase transitions and ferroelastic domain walls in Pb₅Al₃F₁₉ crystals by optical measurements

Abstract

Three phase transitions between 100 and 400 K were previously shown by X-ray diffraction measurements. Such results have been confirmed by optical measurements on crystals. The thermal dependence of the birefringence has been determined. A new phase transformation has been shown at around 590 K not only by optical study but also by dielectric measurements. Ferroelastic domain-walls have been visualized. The sequence transition has been discussed taking into account the various space groups.