A shock-induced phase transformation in a LiTaO3 crystal

Abstract

The high-pressure phase transformation behavior of LiTaO3 crystal has been studied by both Hugoniot measurements and first-principle calculations. We observe a discontinuity in shock velocity (D) versus particle velocity (UP) relation, a two-wave structure below 37.9 GPa, and a three-wave structure above 37.9 GPa. These data confirm that a shock-induced phase transformation of LiTaO3 occurs. The onset pressure of the phase transformation (37.9 GPa) defined by our new shock compression data is higher than the early shock wave value (19 GPa) reported by Stantonand Graham [P. L. Stanton and R. A. Graham, J. Appl. Phys. 50, 6892 (1979)]. A first-principle calculation of the zero degree isotherm for rhombohedral phase (R3c space group) is in good agreement with our low-pressure experimental data. The calculated zero degree isotherm for orthorhombic phase (Pbnm space group) is in concord with our high-pressure shock compression data.