An infrared absorption band at about 3307 cm(-1) was detected and attribute
d to the 0 --> 1 stretching vibrational transition of hydroxyl ions (OH-) i
n yttrium orthovanadate (YVO4) single crystals. The isotopic replica (OD-)
was found at about 2455 cm(-1) confirming the above assignment. The Morse-p
otential model was applied to determine the anharmonicity parameters of the
hydroxyl vibration. Polarization measurements showed that the OH- dipoles
lay in the plane perpendicular to the tetragonal axis. The temperature depe
ndence of the band parameters was analysed using the model of weakly couple
d phonons. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.