Synthesis, Lattice Dynamics, and Mechanical Properties of a High-Pressure Scheelite Phase of RVO 4

High-pressure scheelite phases of RVO4 (R = Y, Sm, Gd, Yb, Lu) compounds were prepared by high pressure (up to 25 GPa) from zircon RVO4 compounds. Raman spectra of these scheelite phases of RVO4 were determined and discussed in detail. Mechanical properties, including bulk, shear, Young's modulus, B/G and Poisson's ratios, of the scheelite phase of RVO4 were measured by an ultrasonic method and compared with the results calculated by density functional theory. The calculated lattice parameters and mechanical properties are in good agreement with the experimental results. The radius and states of the 4f orbital of R show distinct effects on the mechanical properties.