Search for tricritical point in KH2PO4 at high pressure. I. Static dielectric behavior near critical point at zero pressure

Abstract

The proposed tricritical point in KDP occurs if the critical field, Ecr, can be brought to zero by applying pressure. The Landau equation of state E = A0(T - T0)P + BP3 + CP5 gives straight-line “isopols” in the T-E plane. We obtain values for A0, B and C and thus Ecr by observing such isopols. We find A0 = 4.3 × 10-3; B = -2.35 × 10-11 C = 5.91 × 10-19 cgs esu for the crystal studied at ambient pressure. These values lead to Ecr = 232 V/cm and δPspon (Tc) = 1.82 C/cm2. High pressure results are imminent.