Birefringence of lead titanate (PbTiO3)

Abstract

Since lead titanate was first grown in single-crystal form in the 1930s, several independent reports of its linear birefringence have been published. Whilst there is overall qualitative agreement on its behaviour with temperature, the absolute values show some degree of variation. At 298 K they range from -0.009 to -0.013, a relative spread of 40%, whilst at 673 K the discrepancy is even greater. This paper reports unexpected results obtained from independent measurements of a selection of crystals that have been grown recently, in which the birefringence is some four times greater than hitherto believed. This has important consequences for the use of birefringence measurement as a means of studying phase transitions in crystals. Intrinsic values of birefringence for lead titanate are measured for the first time.