Synthesis, Characterization, and Spectroscopic Analysis of Nd _x Y _{1− x} TiNbO ₆ Microwave Ceramics

Solid solutions of Nd _x Y _{1− x} TiNbO ₆ ceramics were prepared through the solid‐state ceramic route. The materials were calcined at 1250°C and sintered in the range 1400–1550°C. The structure of the system was analyzed using the X‐ray diffraction and vibrational spectroscopic analysis. The morphology and the sintering behavior of the samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The dielectric constant (ɛ _r ), temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ _f ), and the unloaded quality factor ( Q _u ) were measured in the microwave frequency region using the cavity resonator method. The ɛ _r and τ _f increased with an increase in the concentration of Nd in the solid solutions. Nearly zero temperature coefficient of resonant frequency was obtained for the Nd _0.6 Y _0.4 TiNbO ₆ ceramic. Samples are of high quality factor and are useful for microwave applications.