Large phonon band gap in SrTi O3 and the vibrational signatures of ferroelectricity in ATi O3 perovskites: First-principles lattice dynamics and inelastic neutron scattering

We report on first-principles density functional perturbation theory calculations and inelastic neutron scattering measurements of the phonon density of states, dispersion relations, and electromechanical response of PbTi O3, BaTi O3, and SrTi O3. The phonon density of states of the quantum paraelectric SrTi O3 is found to be fundamentally distinct from that of ferroelectric PbTi O3 and BaTi O3 with a large, 70-90 meV, phonon band gap. The phonon dispersion and electromechanical response of PbTi O3 reveal giant anisotropies. The interplay of covalent bonding and ferroelectricity strongly modulates the electromechanical response and gives rise to spectacular signatures in the phonon spectra. The computed charge densities have been used to study the bonding in these perovskites. Distinct bonding characteristics in the ferroelectric and paraelectric phases give rise to spectacular vibrational signatures. While a large phonon band gap in ATi O3 perovskites seems to be a characteristic of quantum paraelectrics, anisotropy of the phonon spectra correlates well with ferroelectric strength. These correlations between the phonon spectra and ferroelectricity can guide future efforts at custom designing still more effective piezoelectrics for applications. These results suggest that vibrational spectroscopy can help design novel materials.