Raman spectra of lanthanide sesquioxide single crystals: Correlation between A and B-type structures

Structures and Raman spectra of lanthanide sesquioxide single crystals with A-type trigonal structure (La₂O₃, Pr₂O₃, Nd₂O₃, Sm₂O₃) and B-type monoclinic structure (Sm₂O₃, Eu₂O₃, Gd₂O₃) are compared. The B form (C³_2h or $\text{C2}\text{m}\text{, Z = 6}$) derives from the A form (D³_3d or $\text{P}\text{3}\text{m1, Z = 1}$) by a slight lattice deformation, implying a splitting of D_3d and C_3v atomic positions into less symmetrical C_2h and C_s sites. This close structural relationship allows one to relate the Raman active modes of the B-type crystals to vibrations of the A-type crystals and to deduce an interpretation of the complex B-type spectra from those of the simpler A-type spectra. Furthermore, it is shown that the frequency of the modes which mainly involve metal-oxygen stretching motion increases with the lanthanide atomic number in the A and B series. This evolution is interpreted in terms of increasing compactness of the structure.