Fabrication and characterization of LuAG: Er ceramics with high optical transmission

Abstract

Highly transparent ceramics based on LuAG with erbium content ranging from 1 to 50 at% were synthesized from powders prepared via chemical precipitation in an aqueous solution. The impact of hot isostatic pressing on the optical properties of these ceramics was investigated. It was demonstrated that employing hot isostatic pressing enhances the optical transmittance of LuAG:Er ceramics. The influence of erbium concentration on the average grain size of the ceramics was also examined. Additionally, temperature-dependent thermal diffusivity profiles of LuAG:Er ceramics as a function of erbium content were analyzed. Erbium concentrations yielding the highest luminescence intensity in spectral ranges around ∼1.5–1.6 μm and ∼2.7 μm were determined.