Transparent ceramics for high-power solid-state lasers

Abstract

We report results for high quality transparent ceramic window materials (spinel and β-SiC) and high power solid state laser materials (Yb:Y 2 O 3 and Yb:Lu 2 O 3 ). Spinel ceramic demonstrates a record low absorption loss of 6 ppm/cm at 1.06 μm. We also report optical transparency from a β-SiC ceramic fabricated by the Spark Plasma Sintering technique. Capability of fabricating various shape and size of spinel ceramics is also demonstrated. We report lasing in hot pressed Yb 3+ :Y 2 O 3 and Yb 3+ :Lu 2 O 3 ceramic made from co-precipitated powder. Highest output power and efficiency from heavily doped Yb 3+ doped Lu 2 O 3 ceramic are reported.

Development of mixed halide translucent ceramics for imaging plates

“…Coble et al, and the Al 2 O 3 translucent ceramic for high pressure sodium lamps was released by General Electric Cop. 62) Subsequently, translucent ceramics have been used in solid-state lasers, 63,64) solid-state lighting, [65][66][67] magnetooptical materials, [68][69][70] and scintillators [71][72][73][74] because they have merits such as high thermal property, high mechanical strength, high uniformity, and cost-effectiveness compared to single crystals. In addition, translucent ceramics can be doped with activated ions with higher concentrations and synthesized at lower temperatures.…”

YAG and Y2O3 laser ceramics from nonagglomerated nanopowders

“…Since then, the preparation and characteriza tion of laser ceramics based on YAG and, later, on scandium, yttrium, and lutetium oxides have been the subject of hundreds of studies and several reviews (see, for example, Refs. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9]). Successful attempts to pro duce high quality YAG or rare earth oxide laser ceramics by nonreactive sintering have only been reported by Konoshima Chemical Co. (Japan) [2].…”