Abstract
Yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) nanopowders doped with high neodymium (Nd) content (3 at.%) were synthesized by the sol–gel processing of (i) alkoxide precursors and (ii) metal chelates formed by complexing the cations with polyethylene glycol. A stoichiometric YAG composition was obtained following both procedures; however, the agglomeration of particles was significantly higher in glycolate synthesis, which shielded residual organics from oxidation (elemental analyses). Distribution of Nd3+ ions in the YAG matrix, as shown by the absorption of pump energy and photoluminescence spectra of Nd:YAG ceramics, was more homogeneous in alkoxide‐derived powders. The segregation of Nd centers in the glycolate‐derived sample was supported by the precipitation of a crystalline Nd2O3 phase (X‐ray diffraction) during sintering. High‐resolution absorption spectra (4I9/2(1)→4F9/2(1)) of the powders showed that a higher absorption cross‐section of glycolate‐derived powders is due to Nd3+–Nd3+ ion pairing, which leads to the quenching of photoluminescence. Owing to the better dispersion of optically active centers, the photoluminescence signal was found to be substantially enhanced in alkoxide‐derived Nd:YAG ceramics.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
