Growth, spectroscopic and thermal properties of Nd-doped disordered Ca9(La/Y)(VO4)7 and Ca10(Li/K)(VO4)7crystals

► Growth of novel Nd3+-doped Ca9La(VO4)7 and Ca10(Li/K)(VO4)7 crystals. ► Detailed study of polarized absorption and luminescence spectra. ► Influence of excited configurations on spectroscopic parameters of Nd3+ ion. ► Determination of luminescence branching ratio, radiative lifetime and quantum yield. ► Measurements of thermal expansion and thermo-optic coefficients.