Crystal growth of Nd : RVO4 (where R=Y, Gd) under mild hydrothermal conditions

Single crystals of rare earth orthovanadates, doped with active elements, have been obtained for the first time by a hydrothermal method. In spite of the fact that these rare earth vanadates have high melting points (> 1800 degrees C) and very low solubility, the authors have obtained these rare earth orthovanadates under mild hydrothermal conditions (T = 240 degrees C, P = 100 bars). The solubility of these crystals has been studied in detail using different solvents. The influence of various growth parameters on the crystal morphology, growth rate and quality of the crystals has been studied in detail. The crystals have been subjected to X-ray powder diffraction and infrared spectroscopic studies