Crystal structure of La3Nb0.5Ga5.5O14 at 20 K

The atomic structure of La₃Nb_0.5Ga_5.5O₁₄ single crystals (space group P321, R = 2.21%, R _w = 2.31%) at 20 K was determined using X-ray diffraction. A comparative analysis of the structural characteristics determined at temperatures of 293 and 20 K did not reveal a noticeable redistribution of bond valences that could be considered precursors of a possible phase transition accompanied by the reduction of the symmetry of the crystal. The assumption was made that the anomalous behavior of the permittivity e ₃₃ of the La₃Nb_0.5Ga_5.5O₁₄ single crystals is associated with the decrease in the possible relative displacements of the Ga(1) and Nb atoms occupying the cation position with point symmetry 32 in a 1: 1 ratio.