Growth of beta-KGd1-xNdx(WO4)(2) single crystals in K2W2O7 solvents

High-temperature solutions of the K2W2O7-KGd1-xNdx(WO4)(2) system have been investigated and beta-KGd1-xNdx(WO4)(2) (KGW:Nd) single crystals were grown. The concentration and temperature regions of the KGW:Nd phase as well as the thermal dependence of their solubility for x=0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.00 were determined. These results were supported by X-ray and cell parameters data. EPMA analyses were used to determine the Nd3+ distribution coefficient for different initial compositions of the solution, The obtained data suggested that K2W2O7, is a suitable solvent for KGW:Nd single crystal growth. Transmission measurements have also been included as a first approach to the optical behaviour of the grown crystals.