Optical Activity of Ferroelectric 5PbO·3GeO2 Single Crystals

Abstract

Optical rotatory power (ρ = ± 5°35′/mm for λ = 6328 Å) was found in the Czochralski-grown ferroelectric crystal 5PbO·3GeO2. Reversal of the ferroelectric spontaneous polarization Ps caused the enantiomorphic transformation of the crystal and consequently the change in the sign of the optical rotatory power. The gyration coefficient g33 was found to fit the equation g33 = γ33Ps, where γ33 is the electrogyration tensor in the paraelectric phase.