Effect of Scandium Concentration in the Y2O3–Sc2O3–Al2O3–Er2O3 Oxide Composition on the Thermophysical Properties of Optical Ceramics

Abstract

The influence of the concentration and position of scandium ions on the thermophysical characteristics of optical ceramics based on Y2O3–Er2O3–Sc2O3–Al2O3 oxide garnet solid solution has been studied. An increase in the total scandium concentration leads to a decrease in the thermal conductivity in the ceramics. The thermal conductivity has been determined as a function of the concentration and position of scandium ions in the garnet lattice. The decreased thermal conductivity of yttrium erbium scandium aluminum garnet (YErSAG) ceramics is due to structural disordering associated with partial substitution of cations in the six- and eight-coordinate positions in the garnet lattice.