Birefringence of SbSI and SbSeI crystals at the region of antiferroelectric phase transition

Anomalous behavior has been observed in the temperature range of T = 140–145 °C. The electric current I(T) of SbSI and SbSeI crystals along the c(z) axis changes significantly at the region of the antiferroelectric phase transition when DC voltage is applied. The peak positions are observed at 140 °C and 145 °C for SbSI and SbSeI, respectively. The birefringence spectra show temperature-dependent changes upon retardation m, confirming the antiferroelectric phase transition for both crystals. The peak positions observed from the optical measurements do not differ from the electrical measurements, showing the transition point at 140?°C and 145?°C for SbSI and SbSeI, respectively.