High-temperature Raman spectra of KDP:Ni crystal

High-temperature Raman scattering measurements of KDP doped with Ni (1% weight) were performed over the spectral range 50–1200 cm−1. The X-ray powder diffraction patterns taken at room temperature and analyzed by Rietveld refinement showed that doped samples of KDP:Ni have the same tetragonal structure of a pure KDP crystal, but with a contraction of the crystalline cell. The behavior of the high-temperature Raman spectra indicate that two phase transitions occur, one at 413 K and another one at 443 K. These phase transitions occur at temperatures below the thermal dehydratation point, 488 K. DTA and TGA measurements reveals that KDP:Ni and pure KDP have the same thermal dehydratation temperature.

► High-temperature phase transitions of KDP:Ni are studied by Raman spectroscopy.
► Incorporation of Ni ions into KDP causes a shift in the phase transition temperatures.
► High-temperature phase transitions are observed below the thermal decomposition temperature