RVO4-new oxide ferroelectrics (R = Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, Lu, Sc)

Dielectric measurements of the rare earth vanadates (R = Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, Lu) and Sc have been carried out. On all of the samples at 0 to 10°C, piezoelectric effects were discovered. In the region - 35° to 10°C at electric fields of E = 0.5 + 1.5 k V/cm, dielectric hysteresis loops were observed. At 20 to 25°C anomalous changes of ε were established. Thus, like the formerly discovered family of the rare earth arsenates, RVO4 crystals are also ferroelectric.