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From ferroelectric to quantum paraelectric : KTa1-xNbxO3 (KTN), a model system

Samara, George A.; Samara, George A.

The mixed perovskite oxides KTa{sub 1-x}Nb{sub x}O{sub 3}, or KTN, are a model system for studying ferroelectric behavior and phase transitions under pressure. Crystals with x > 0.1 exhibit ferroelectric soft-mode behavior and a sequence of phase transitions, while for x {le} 0.02 a pressure-induced ferroelectric-to-relaxor crossover occurs. The system also exhibits a pressure-induced crossover from classical-to-quantum behavior ultimately leading to the complete suppression of the phase transition and the formation of a quantum paraelectric state.