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Abstract: The impedance spectra of Pb5Ge3O11 single crystals are measured in the frequency range from 5 Hz to 13 MHz at temperatures of 600 to 800 K in dry air and in a dry or wet nitrogen gas. It is found that the temperature and the gas composition significantly affect the electrical properties of the compound. The data obtained are used to discuss the origin of crystal lattice defects and their influence on charge transfer. It is concluded that the conduction is mixed in character (p-type electronic and ionic due to oxygen ions). The proton conduction is shown experimentally to be feasible. The possible mechanisms of proton transport in Pb5Ge3O11 are discussed.

Abstract: The ferrobielastic properties (ferroic properties of the second order) earlier theoretically predicted for lead germanate uniaxial ferroelectric crystals are justified experimentally. It is demonstrated that single-domain samples are formed upon cooling to temperatures below the Curie point under uniaxial mechanical stresses corresponding to a combination of mechanical stresses σ11σ13 or σ22σ23. The macroscopic mechanism of this phenomenon is considered.

Abstract: A study is reported of the temperature and frequency dependences of the permittivity and losses in Cr-doped Bi12SiO20 crystals at sonic frequencies and in the range 300–800 K. A number of dielectric anomalies and a close-to-linear Cole-Cole diagram have been observed. The results are discussed by invoking the concepts of electron hopping and screening of the induced polarization through the relaxation of local lattice distortions.