Self-Ordered Second-Component Nb Clusters in KNbxTa1?xO3 Solid Solutions and Their Physical Properties

Semi-empirical Hartree-Fock calculations using the intermediate neglect of the differential overlap (INDO) method, for self-ordered cubic symmetry clusters of seven Nb ions in KTaO 3 are performed with the aim of verifying the cluster model [1] of second component-induced phase transitions in ferroelectric perovskite matrices. It is shown that a seven-particle cluster in KTaO 3 :Nb has two types of states with different nature. Namely, a state with a dilatation combined with an off-center displacement of the central Nb ion in [111] directions in the cluster, and a state with a full-symmetric compression without any off-center effect. The consequences of such cluster structures on the multi-…