Transparent ceramics for high-energy laser systems

Spectroscopy of C3i and C2 sites of Nd3+-doped Lu2O3 sesquioxide either as ceramics or crystal

“…However, it is extremely difficult to grow Lu 2 O 3 single crystal using conventional crystal growth methods because of its high melting point (2490 1C) [1]. It is much easier to fabricate Lu 2 O 3 into a ceramic structure since the sintering temperature is about 700 1C lower than its melting point, and no expensive crucible is required [2][3][4][5]. As a result, spectroscopic data of Nd 3 þ laser ions are needed in Lu 2 O 3 host, either as single crystal or as ceramics.…”

A thermodynamic approach to obtaining transparent spinel (MgAl2O4) by hot pressing

“…There is room for a competitive niche production of small-to medium-sized optical windows in demanding optical applications, such as high-energy laser systems, 14 where traditional mineral salts and amorphous materials are limited and single crystals are not practical. To give an example, transparent polycrystalline ceramic windows can facilitate breakthrough optical spectroscopy conducted at high temperatures and in aggressive environments, as in LIBS spectroscopy on molten steel.…”

New double-sintering aid for fabrication of highly transparent ytterbium-doped yttria ceramics

“…Comparatively, high-quality and large-scale yttria single crystal is extremely difficult to achieve, because of its high melting point and phase transition [14] in the crystal growth process. Fortunately, ytterbium-doped yttria polycrystalline ceramics could be fabricated with high transparency and relative large-scale by using pressureless sintering method.…”