  The phonon dispersion curves of cubic BaTiO_3 have been computed within a
first-principles approach and the results compared to the experimental data.
The curves obtained are very similar to those reported for KNbO_3 by Yu and
Krakauer [Phys. Rev. Lett. 74, 4067 (1995)]. They reveal that correlated atomic
displacements along <100> chains are at the origin of the ferroelectric
instability. A simplified model illustrates that spontaneous collective
displacements will occur when a dozen of aligned atoms are coupled. The
longitudinal interatomic force constant between nearest neighbour Ti and O
atoms is relatively weak in comparison to that between Ti atoms in adjacent
cells. The small coupling between Ti and O displacements seems however
necessary to reproduce a ferroelectric instability.
