Effect of disordered structure and crystal defects on heat transfer behavior in Er:Yb: YCa4O(BO3)3 crystal

Abstract The anomalous glasslike behavior of heat transfer in Er:Yb: YCa 4 O(BO 3 ) 3 crystal was explored by means of temperature dependence Raman scattering spectra and synchrotron radiation X-ray topography. Crystal samples were prepared by the Czochralski technique, and the corresponding thermal properties, including thermal expansion, specific heat and thermal conductivity were investigated. The temperature-dependent Raman scattering results indicate the frequencies of Raman peaks as a function of crystal temperature followed a linear dependency on crystal temperature with different slopes. Nevertheless, the temperature-dependent linewidths of different Raman peaks were inconsistent and complicated. The X-ray topography firstly revealed a core situated in the center of crystal. Surrounding the core, a number of other defects like striations and dislocations were observed. The existence of such defects can lead to phonon scattering, which will introduce complicated influence into heat transfer process. As a result, the anomalous behavior of heat transfer can be influenced by disordered structure and crystal defects.