Acoustic velocities of shear waves in La3Ga5.5Ta0.5O14 piezoelectric crystal using singular value decomposition

La₃Ga_5.5Ta_0.5O₁₄ (LGT) is a new piezoelectric material with superior electromechanical properties and high Q·f product. Transverse-wave splitting behavior of LGT was observed in the acoustic velocity measurements. The velocities of the two shear waves propagating in Y-(010) direction are very close and they cannot be separated completely. This has a tremendous influence on determining the correct velocity of the shear modes. It is proposed that the singular value decomposition (SVD) technique can be used to determine the splitting time of two shear modes in Y-plane LGT crystal. Moreover, it also helps to correct the arrival time of the transverse waves. It is believed that the presented approach is efficient and accurate for determining the correct velocities of shear modes in anisotropic media.