Phase transitions in RbCaF3. I: Optical studies

Phase transitions in RbCaF₃ have been investigated by optical birefringence measurements and Raman scattering experiments. A near discontinuity in the onset of spontaneous birefringence at 196 K shows that the cubic to tetragonal phase change is “slightly” first order. The Raman spectra of the tetragonal phase support a D¹⁸_4h structure in which two phonons of A_1g and E_g symmetry soften as the 196 K transition is approached from lower temperatures. A very slow transition to a lower symmetry structure was observed at about 42 K in the Raman measurements.