Observation of87Rb NMR satellite transitions in the commensurate and incommensurate phases of Rb2ZnCl4

It is shown that the first order quadrupole split NMR satellite transition frequencies of the⁸⁷Rb nucleus can be detected in the paraelectric, incommensurate and ferroelectric phases of Rb₂ZnCl₄. From rotation patterns the electric field gradient tensor at the Rb sites is determined for the paraelectric phase. The data demonstrate a considerable influence of the structural changes in the incommensurate and ferroelectric phases on the observed NMR transition frequencies. For some crystal orientations the satellite transitions are followed through the incommensurate into the ferroelectric phase. Whereas in the former typical quasi continuous spectra are observed in the latter several sharp lines appear. The results are discussed in relation to the structural changes at the phase transitions.