Structural, optical, and thermodynamic properties of an LiCa₂Mg₂As_3xV_{3-3 x}O₁₂ solid-solution garnet

A series of LiCa2Mg2As3xV3-3xO12 garnet powders (x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.667, 0.75, and 1) were synthesized using solid-state reaction from mixed precursor powders. A complete solid-solution series was found between the endmembers. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy confirmed the homogeneity of the synthesized garnets. The compositions reversibly melted between 1000 and 1160 degrees C and had low sintering temperatures between 650 and 900 degrees C. Thermal diffusivity, heat capacity, thermal conductivity, density, lattice parameter, thermal expansion, index of refraction, and dispersion were measured from room temperature to 800 degrees C.