Processing of the Nd2O3:SiO2 system by Laser Floating Zone in air

Abstract Highly textured polycrystalline fibres of monoclinic P21/c Nd2SiO5 and hexagonal P63/m Nd9.33(SiO4)6O2 phases were obtained by Laser Floating Zone in air from stoichiometric mixtures of Nd2O3 and SiO2 changing the pulling rate from 10 to 400 mm/h. Distribution of phases barely varied due to the incongruent melt of the Nd2O3:SiO2 system, resulting in fibres adequate for microwave devices owing to the dielectric character of the Nd2SiO5 phase. Raman analysis was performed in this material for the first time.