Electrical, optical, and mechanical behavior of ferroelectric Gd2(MoO4)3

Abstract

Results of a number of electrical, optical and mechanical measurements on ferroelectric Gd2(MoO4)3, are presented Based on these results it is concluded that the symmetry in the paraelectric phase above 159°C is tetragonal 42m, and the symmetry below the transition is orthorhombic mm2. Twin walls are shown to be ferroelectric domain walls with the relationship between the polarity of the spontaneous polarization P, and the relative positions of the orthorhombic a and b axes being dictated by the piezoelectric effect in the paraelectric phase. A large mechanical dimension change and large optical effects accompanying ferroelectric switching are discussed and possible applications of these effects are considered briefly.