Raman spectroscopic studies of Nd0.75Sm0.25GaO3 single crystals

Single crystals of Nd1-xSmxGaO3 (x= 0 and 0.25) were grown by a four mirror IR image furnace using floating zone technique. The crystals are characterized by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopic measurements. NGO adopts orthorhombic structure with Pbnm symmetry and samarium substituted compound also exhibited the same structure as that of the pristine compound without secondary phases. Polarized Raman spectra are measured at ambient temperature in a back scattering geometry. Spectra exhibit low intensity first-order Raman bands. In addition, several high intensity second-order Raman bands have been observed in the frequency range 2000 to 4000 cm−1.