Synthesis, crystal structure, luminescence, and thermophysical properties of TbGaGe$_{2}$O$_{7}$

Germanate TbGaGe$_{2}$O$_{7}$ has been obtained from the initial Tb$_{2}$O$_{3}$, Ga$_{2}$O$_{3}$ and GeO$_{2}$ oxides by the solid-phase synthesis. The germanate structure has been established by X-ray diffraction. Room-temperature luminescence spectra of the compound have been recorded. The effect of temperature on the heat capacity of the oxide compound has been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. The thermodynamic properties of the compound have been calculated from the experimental $C_p=f(T)$ data.