Large-scale quantum chemical modeling of the phase transitions in KTN solid solutions

R. I. Eglitis, D. Fuks, S. Dorfman, E. A. Kotomin, G. Borstel, V. A. Trepakov

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The large-scale modeling of the atomic and electronic structure of KNbxTa1-xO3 (KTN) perovskite solid solutions is performed using the Intermediate Neglect of the Differential Overlap (INDO) method based on the Hartree-Fock formalism. It is found that periodic Nb impurities in KTaO3 reveal coherent off-center displacements already at the smallest calculated concentration, x=0.125. The calculated magnitude of < 111 > Nb off-center displacement is 0.27 a.u., which is close to the XAFS observation at 70 K and x=0.09. In contrast, Ta impurities in KNbO3 remain on-center, due to higher ionicity of Ta, as compared to Nb. Using the calculated energy gain caused by the off-center displacements of Nb atoms, the non-empirical Ginzburg-Landau-Devonshire functional with concentration-dependent coefficients is constructed. Analysis of INDO results for several Nb concentrations in KTN allows calculate the lowest critical Nb concentration, xcr=0.025, corresponding to the quantum displacive limit for the paraelectric-ferroelectric transition at 0 K. This value is only slightly higher than the experimental one.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication AIP Conference Proceedings
Pages231-240
Volume677
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Aug 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Niobates titanates tantalates PZT ceramics etc.
  • Phase transitions and Curie point

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