Vibrational Spectroscopy of the C-Form of Yttrium Sesquioxide

Infrared and Raman spectra of polycrystalline Y2O3 as well as polarized Raman spectra of Y2O3 single crystals have been measured. A complete assignment of the bands is proposed. A normal coordinate analysis using a generalized valence force field enabled us to fit the observed frequencies with a satisfactory accuracy (3.5%). The calculated force constants are discussed and compared with those of α-Al2O3 exhibiting the same atomic coordination.