Top Seeded Solution Growth, Structural and Vibrational Analyses of K1−xNaxGd(WO4)2 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) Single Crystals
Laser host single crystals of K1−xNaxGd(WO4)2 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) have been grown by high temperature top seeded solution with low viscus K2WO4 as flux. The powder x-ray diffraction pattern of the synthesised charge confirmed the crystalline quality and possible incorporation of sodium in the KGd(WO4)2 (KGW) matrix. Estimated lattice parameters of the grown crystals revealed that there were no anomalous structural changes due to the incorporation of sodium in the KGW matrix. The change in structural phase transition and its thermal stability due to addition of sodium ions have been studied through differential thermal analysis. The homogeneous distribution of sodium and other metal ions in the matrix were qualitatively studied from energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy measurements. The Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses have shown the influence of vibrational changes due to the incorporation of sodium ions in KGW. The optical absorption studies have shown the broad absorption band in the near-ultra violet region corresponding to the W6+ to O2− charge transfer band. These results suggest that incorporation of sodium in a KGW matrix appear to have modulated the physical properties of the grown crystals.