The study of gadolinium tantalum niobate (Gd(NbxTa1-x)O4) by local cathodoluminescence technique

Abstract

In this work, the powder and ceramic samples of gadolinium tantalum niobate (Gd(NbxTa1-x)O4) grown by the liquid-phase method were studied. Phase homogeneity and composition were determined by x-ray diffraction analysis and electron probe microanalysis. Luminescent properties were studied by local cathodoluminescence technique. All samples obtained a high phase homogeneity. It was found that the dependence of the monoclinic lattice parameters on the niobium content in the niobium-tantalum pair has monotonic character. The solid solutions were formed at synthesis temperatures from 1180 to 1400°C. The sample of pure gadolinium niobate (GdNbO4) showed the maximal cathodoluminescence intensity.