Raman active phonon and crystal-field studies of Yb3+ doped NdVO4

The 2F7/2 and 2F5/2 crystal field energy levels of the Yb3+ ion are measured by infrared absorption in Yb doped NdVO4, with concentrations ranging from 0.25% to 15%, as a function of doping, temperature and magnetic field. Two substitution sites are observed and the presence of Yb3+–Yb3+ interacting pairs is confirmed. Also, the Raman active phonons are detected and analyzed in order to determine the doping effects on the crystalline quality and the phonon contributions to the crystal field vibronics.