Synthesis and crystal structure of Ln2M2+Ge4O12, Ln=rare-earth element or Y; M=Ca, Mn, Zn

The crystal structure of the promising optical materials Ln{sub 2}M{sup 2+}Ge{sub 4}O{sub 12}, where Ln=rare-earth element or Y; M=Ca, Mn, Zn and their solid solutions has been studied in detail. The tendency of rare-earth elements to occupy six- or eight-coordinated sites upon iso- and heterovalent substitution has been studied for the Y{sub 2-x}Er{sub x}CaGe{sub 4}O{sub 12} (x=0-2), Y{sub 2-2x}Ce{sub x}Ca{sub 1+x}Ge{sub 4}O{sub 12} (x=0-1), Y{sub 2}Ca{sub 1-x}Mn{sub x}Ge{sub 4}O{sub 12} (x=0-1) and Y{sub 2-x}Pr{sub x}MnGe{sub 4}O{sub 12} (x=0-0.5) solid solutions. A complex heterovalent state of Eu and Mn in Eu{sub 2}MnGe{sub 4}O{sub 12} has been found. - Graphical abstract: Crystal structure of Ln{sub 2}MGe{sub 4}O{sub 12}, where Ln=rare-earth element or Y; M=Ca, Mn, Zn.