AgTh2(PO4)3 — A new case of the non-hydrogen bonded phosphate ferroelectric

The basic crystallographic data of AgTh₂(PO₄)₃ single crystals have been determined for the first time by means of X-ray diffraction methods. The crystals are monoclinic, space group isCc with four formula units per unit cell. The dimensions of the unit cell are:a=17·385 Å,b=6·815 Å,c=8·148 Å,β=101·10°. Using the Sawyer and Tower method it has been proved that the crystals possess ferroelectric properties. Performing the measurements at room temperature the values of spontaneous polarization and coercive field in the direction normal to (100) face have been determined.