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Abstract
Four compositions pure (KN), 1 wt% Sm (KND-1), 2 wt% Sm (KND-2) and 1 wt% Sm + 1 wt% Sn (KND-3) potassium niobate were grown as single crystals by controlled cooling of the melt. Electrical conductivity as a function of temperature was studied from room temperature up to 500°C for these compositions. At room temperature the electrical conductivity has increased due to Sm as well as (Sm & Sn) doping. Crystals show increase in conductivity with temperature. Both pure and doped compositions show an anomalous behaviour with a small hump around their respective transition temperatures except KND-2. The conductivity in pure and doped potassium niobate is a complex phenomenon namely due to electronic contribution; extrinsic impurity; presence of impurity defects; vacancies created due to oxygen deficiency as well as doping and polaron hopping.