Phase transitions in AB systems. Symmetry aspects

Abstract

Possible pathways for pressure-induced reconstructive phase transitions in AB compounds can be derived if a common subgroup of the space groups of the phases before and after the phase transformation is found, which allows a deformation of one structure type into the other. An energetically favoured path avoids the breaking of bonds. Therefore, the concept of sphere packings enables to find suitable transition mechanisms. This is exemplarily shown for a transition path from the zinc-blende- to the NaCl-structure type. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.