Dielectric properties and specific heat of Bi$_{1-x}$Sm$_{x}$FeO$_{3}$ multiferroics

The specific heat and dielectric permittivity of Bi$_{1-x}$Sm$_{x}$FeO$_{3}$ ($x$ = 0 – 0.30) multiferroics have been studied in the temperature range of 300–800 K. A slight substitution of bismuth with samarium is established to cause a considerable shift in the antiferromagnetic phase transition temperature and to an increase in the specific heat over a wide temperature range. Other anomalies typical of phase transitions have been found in the temperature dependences of the specific heat and dielectric permittivity for the compounds with $x$ = 0.10 and 0.15 at $T\approx$ 735 and 495 K, respectively. The results of the studies of the specific heat have been discussed together with the data of the structural investigations.