Growth and enhanced electro-elastic properties of Nd3+: CNGS crystals with ordered langasite structure

In this letter, the Nd3+: Ca3NbGa3Si2O14 single crystals with high doping concentration (2 at%) were grown using the Czochralski pulling method. For the first time, the dielectric, elastic and piezoelectric properties of Nd3+ : CNGS crystals were evaluated at room temperature. The electro-elastic coefficients obtained for CNGS at room temperature crystals were given. It is proved that Nd3+: CNGS crystals have larger dielectric constants, piezoelectric constants and elastic compliance, as compared with those of CNGS crystals. Also, the new data were presented on the temperature dependence of electro-elastic properties from 25 degrees C to 900 degrees C. It is shown that Nd3+: CNGS crystals have a favorable temperature stability and high mechanical quality factor Q within the temperature range of 25-600 degrees C. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.