Structural transformations in LiGd9(SiO4)6O2 and Ca2Gd8(SiO4)6O2 crystals containing isolated [SiO4] complexes: Raman spectroscopic study

The vibrational spectra of single crystals of the LiGd₉(SiO₄)₆O₂ and Ca₂Gd₈(SiO₄)₆O₂ oxyapatites have been studied using Raman spectroscopy at room and high temperatures. The spectra of internal and external vibrations in these structures have been resolved. The structural transformation of the LiGd₉(SiO₄)₆O₂ and Ca₂Gd₈(SiO₄)₆O₂ oxyapatites in the processes of melting and crystallization, as well as during rapid quenching of the melt, has been investigated. It has been found that the melting of the LiGd₉(SiO₄)₆O₂ compound has an incongruent character and that new metastable disordered phases are formed during rapid quenching of the Ca₂Gd₈(SiO₄)₆O₂ melt.