Abstract
The requirements for definitive observation of critical opalescence at structural phase transitions have long been known; but only recently have experiments been performed which demonstrate quantitative satisfaction of these requirements. The related singular, temperature dependence in the intensity, angular distribution, and spectral profile of scattered light are briefly reviewed. Complications associated with coupling between order parameter fluctuations and other degrees of freedom are considered. Results of high resolution (Δν ≤ 0.03 cm−1) light scattering experiments are discussed for 1) the ferroelectric phase transition in KDP and 2) the shear induced transformations at 118K and 151K in PrAlO3. Critical opalescence is demonstrated for all three transitions. Mean field exponents appear to describe adequately the observed behavior. No measurable dynamics (linewidths) were found for the “central peaks” in any of the transitions.
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