Investigation on Raman spectra and thermal properties of LuVO4 and Nd:LuVO4 crystals

Lattice vibration modes of LuVO4 and Nd: LuVO4 crystals were calculated by using space group theory, and polarized Raman spectra were recorded with four different geometrical scattering configurations at room temperature to test the theoretical prediction and assign the normal vibrations of these crystals. The measured specific heats at 293.15 K were 0.368, 0.378 and 0.363 J/(g·K) for LuVO4, 2 at.% and 3 at.% Nd: LuVO4, respectively. The thermal diffusivities of Nd: LuVO4 crystals were obtained in the temperature range of 303.15-563.15 K. The calculated thermal conductivity was 5.149 (4.579) W/(m·K) along the [001] ([100]) direction for 2 at.% Nd: LuVO4 at 303.15 K, and 5.059 (4.225) W/(m·K) for 3 at.% Nd: LuVO4.