Point defect parameters for β-PbF2 from a computer analysis of measurements of ionic conductivity

The conductivity of four crystals of β-PbF₂ has been measured. The results for three of these crystals, one doped with La³⁺ and two doped with Na ⁺ impurity, have been analysed with a non-linear least squares programme to yield the thermodynamic parameters of defect formation and migration below the superionic transition. These parameters are compared with previous values and are used to provide estimates of the defect concentrations in the superionic phase. This work suggests that the superionic phase is not massively disordered and that β-PbF₂ is not significantly different from other fluorites.