Processing and Applications of Transparent Ceramics

Abstract

Transparent ceramics can be used as laser hosts, infrared (IR) windows/domes, lamp envelopes, and transparent armors. The two key requirements for transparent ceramics are high purity and high density. To ensure high purity, it is necessary to use high‐purity precursor powders, while to achieve high‐density, special technologies have to be used, such as high‐pressure (HP) sintering, high isostatic pressure (HIP) sintering, vacuum sintering, and spark plasma sintering (SPS). In this article, the latest progress in processing, materials, and applications of transparent ceramics is summarized.