How universal are the glassy states in ferro-electrics and other materials with a structural phase transition?

Abstract

Investigations at 18 different ferroelectrics and 2 quantum paraelectrics indicate that materials with a structural phase transition show a typical glassy behavior at low temperatures if the structural phase transition temperature T_c is nearly equal to the Debye temperature θ_D. In this case, the mean energetical density [Pbar] of localized states responsible for the glassy properties has a maximum. The ratio T_c /θ_D has a strong influence on the generation of focalized states in different substances with a structural phase transition.