Growth of β-KGd1 − xNdx(WO4)2 single crystals in K2W2O7 solvents

Abstract High-temperature solutions of the K2W2O7-KGd1 − xNdx(WO4)2 system have been investigated and β-KGd1 − xNdx(WO4)2 (KGW:Nd) single crystals were grown. The concentration and temperature regions of the KGW:Nd phase as well as the thermal dependence of their solubility for x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.00 were determined. These results were supported by X-ray and cell parameters data. EPMA analyses were used to determine the Nd3+ distribution coefficient for different initial compositions of the solution. The obtained data suggested that K2W2O7 is a suitable solvent for KGW:Nd single crystal growth. Transmission measurements have also been included as a first approach to the optical behaviour of the growth crystals.