ABSTRACT
Raman light scattering measurements in the temperature range from 80 to 830 K were performed on a PbZr0.72Sn0.28O3 single crystal. The frequencies of the Raman lines were analyzed and discussed in terms of the sequence of structural phase transitions. It was found that Raman spectrum displays important changes near 440, 480 and 493 K. The incorporation of more than 25 mol% of Sn4+ ions into the structure of PbZrO3 enhances polar fluctuations above TC as compared to the less Sn-doped crystals. These fluctuations lead to appearance of a ferroelastic intermediate phase below TC. It is demonstrated that the structural phase transformation in PbZr0.72Sn0.28O3 can be considered as the result of softening of a number of modes.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.