In situ x-ray diffraction and Raman scattering experiments using a diamond anvil cell revealed high-pressure forms of $\text{Bi}M{\text{O}}_3$ ($M=\text{Al}$, Ga, and In) under hydrostatic conditions at room temperature. Various perovskite-type structures are found in each compound under pressure up to 11 GPa. However, none of the high-pressure forms was quenched at atmospheric pressure. All of the phase transitions are confirmed to be reversible. During decompression, symmetry changes, $R3m$ to $R3c$, $Cmcm$ to $Cm$, and $Pnma$ to $Pna{2}_1$ are observed in ${\text{BiAlO}}_3$, ${\text{BiGaO}}_3$, and ${\text{BiInO}}_3$ perovskite, respectively. Structure systematics of the ${\text{Bi}M\text{O}}_3$ perovskites is given on the basis of the cationic size of $M^{3+}$.

• Received 2 September 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.80.214103