First order phase transition of Li3 ThF7 at 281 K: A comparative study between EPR and Raman scattering

Abstract

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and Raman Spectroscopy were used to study the low temperature phase transition of pulled Li₃ThF₇ single crystals, occurring at 281 K. In both cases, the room temperature spectra were very broad, owing to the statistical disorder and high ionic mobility of the lithium ions, which occupy only 3/4 of their structural sites. The results are compatible with a first order ferroelastic transition from the room temperature orthorhombic D_2h ²² phase to a monoclinic C_2h ^(x) one. The symmetry rules are well respected assuming a model with four lithium ions in average per chemical formula. The EPR spectra show also the appearing of additional ferroelastic domains.