Raman scattering study of the phase sequence in A2BX4 halides

Raman spectra of Cs₂ZnI₄ single crystal have been measured in different scattering orientations covering the successive phase transitions down to 68 K. Two second order anomalies at around ice temperature (270 K) and at ～ 92 K are observed. The anomaly around ice temperature exhibits the features of a normal-incommensurate transition evidenced by softening of a low-lying lattice phonon whose frequency decreases as the transition temperature is approached from below whereas the latter one appears to arise from usual structural distortions.