Abstract
Transparent ceramics are important optical materials with applications in street lighting, high-strength windows, electro- and magneto-optical isolators, high-power laser gain media and radiation detectors. Their fabrication most often relies on powder densification techniques carried out at high temperatures, sometimes promoted by sintering additives. Here, we describe the application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for following the concentration levels of silica used as a sintering agent in the fabrication of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) transparent ceramics. The sensitivity limit of our protocol reaches a few tens of ppm of silica in YAG ceramic samples, showing that LIBS can be implemented reliably for the rapid assessment of sintering additives in advanced ceramic processing.
Highlights
Various ceramic applications require the sintering of powders to full density so as to enhance their structural, electronic or optical characteristics [1]
We describe the application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for following the concentration levels of silica used as a sintering agent in the fabrication of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) transparent ceramics
This work details the protocol for the analysis of silica sintering additive in YAG ceramics by the LIBS technique
Summary
Various ceramic applications require the sintering of powders to full density so as to enhance their structural, electronic or optical characteristics [1]. Monitoring the concentration of these additives throughout the ceramic fabrication process is integral to understanding their role on the evolution of the microstructure and to the optimization of the densification process This state of affairs is well exemplified by the fabrication of pore-free, optically transparent, yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG, Y3Al5O12) laser ceramics [3]. This letter presents the quantification of trace and minor levels of silica in YAG green bodies and ceramics using the LIBS technique. This capability adds to current development aiming at providing detailed composition analysis, including stoichiometry, to improve the optical quality and fabrication consistency of YAG transparent ceramics [25]
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