Milling parameters for a nearly full density and an admirable transparency of transparent ceramics should be optimized with respect to the different PPSs of commercial Y2O3 and the degree of agglomeration. A relatively coarse Y2O3 was favorable to the transparency of Nd:Y2O3 ceramics.
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Despite the small fraction of the laser dopant of Nd2O3 (1 at.%), the optical properties of Nd:Y2O3 ceramics were highly dependent on the characteristics of the commercial Nd2O3 powder. Micron sized Nd2O3 powder that exhibits stable high-temperature phase and smooth morphology contribute to the enhancement of the in-line transmittance at the measured wavelength.
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These results shed light on the possibility of a single hot pressing for laser grade ceramics without a subsequent HIP treatment by optimizing the powder process and sintering schedule.
Abstract
The present paper systematically investigated the correlation of the starting powder characteristics and optical properties of neodymium doped transparent Y2O3(Nd:Y2O3) ceramics by hot pressing without a subsequent hot isostatic pressing (HIP) treatment. It was found that the in-line transmittance of Nd:Y2O3 was improved by using coarser primary particle size of Y2O3 and Nd2O3. Additionally, an increase in the hot pressing temperature from 1500 to 1600 °C was effective for improvement on optical qualities of Nd:Y2O3 ceramics without an exaggerated grain growth. These results demonstrate the possibility of fabricating highly transparent ceramics by a simple and cost-effective powder process and sintering technique.
