Fabrication, Microstructure, and Properties of Composite Optical Ceramics Based on YSAG:Nd3+/YSAG:Sm3+

Abstract

This article examines nanocrystalline powders of yttrium–scandium–aluminum garnet (YSAG) doped with Nd3+ and Sm3+ cations. The powders were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation, and their morphology, phase composition, and particle size distribution were investigated. Three types of ceramic samples were then fabricated from the powders using different pressing techniques: standard non-composite reference samples, composite samples of identical composition, and composite ceramics with layers of differing composition. The first two types exhibited high transparency and homogeneous microstructure. A slight reduction in transmittance was observed in the third group, attributed to residual pores and inclusions near the interlayer boundary, arising from differences in sintering kinetics. The influence of uniaxial and cold isostatic pressing parameters on the microstructure and optical properties of YSAG:Nd3+/YSAG:Sm3+ composite ceramics was examined. It was shown that a region of gradient doping enriched in Sm3+ ions forms at the interface between YSAG:Nd3+ and YSAG:Sm3+ layers, with its width presumably dependent on pressing conditions and sintering parameters.