New data on the physical properties of Y3Al5O12-based nanocrystalline laser ceramics

Microhardness and fracture toughness of highly transparent Y₃Al₅O₁₂-and Y₃Al₅O₁₂: Nd³⁺-based nanocrystalline ceramics are measured for the first time. For the Y₃Al₅O₁₂: Nd³⁺ laser ceramics, the use of a longitudinal scheme with a diode-laser pumping at a wavelength of 1.3186 mm (⁴ F _3/2 → ⁴ I _13/2 channel) enabled one to attain an output power of continuous-wave lasing of ～3.7 W with 35% efficiency.     

Production of Y3Al5O12 and Y2O3 nanopowders for optical ceramics

The physical and technical conditions for reproducible production of nanodispersed yttrium aluminum garnet (Y₃Al₅O₁₂, YAG) and yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃) powders by chemical coprecipitation have been investigated. It is established that the obtained YAG nanopowders have enhanced reactivity, which significantly decreases the temperature range of interaction in the Y₂O₃-Al₂O₃ system in comparison with ceramic synthesis. It is shown that vacuum heat treatment may lead to reversible transformation of the YAG crystal structure from cubic to tetragonal.     

Nd3+:Y3Al5O12 laser ceramics: Influence of the size of yttrium oxide particles on sintering

The influence of the size of Y₂O₃ powder particles on the structure formation and densification of Nd³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂ laser ceramics has been studied. It is shown that the use of 50- and 100-nm yttrium oxide particles makes it possible to synthesize single-phase yttrium aluminum garnet at temperatures of 1200 and 1500°C, respectively, whereas in the case of 5000-nm yttrium oxide particles 2-h exposure at a temperature of 1500°C yields only 80 wt % of the Nd³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂ phase. Bulk swelling of pressed samples during sintering of 2.94Y₂O₃-0.06Nd₂O₃-5Al₂O₃ powders with the size ratio of the initial particles R(Al₂O₃/Y₂O₃) ～ 5 is observed. The application of different-sized powders (R ～ 2.5) provides quantitative ratios between phases in the 3Y₂O₃-5Al₂O₃ system at which shrinkage in a temperature range of 20–1500°C is dominant. Laser ceramics 0–2 at % Nd³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂ have been obtained by the solid-phase sintering of oxide powders (R ～ 2.5). The slope efficiency for 1 at % Nd³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂ laser ceramics is found to be 33%.

     

Laserverluste in Y3Al5O12-Kristallen

The influence of resonator lengths on loss coefficient and on output energy of YAG crystals is investigated. It is shown that YAG rods are improved characterized by statement of two loss coefficients and change of laser efficiency, found at different resonator lengths.     

Nd∶Y_3Al_5O_(12)透明激光陶瓷的光学性能

采用固相合成法制备了Nd:Y3Al5O12(Nd:YAG)透明激光陶瓷.用V型棱镜法测量了Nd:YAG陶瓷的折射率.用干涉仪测量了陶瓷的光学均匀性.测试了Nd:YAG透明陶瓷的透过光谱、吸收光谱和荧光光谱,在1064 nm的直线透过率达到80%以上,并计算其吸收系数、吸收截面和发射截面.根据Judd-Ofelt理论,拟合出晶体场强度参数Ωt(t=2, 4, 6)为:Ω2=0.32×10-20 cm2, Ω4=2.72×10-20 cm2, Ω6=5.39×10-20 cm2.荧光辐射寿命τrad为248.61 μs,计算的荧光分支比β为:β1=34.613%, β2=52.814%, β3=10.697%, β4=0.621%.并将Nd:YAG陶瓷的吸收光谱、荧光光谱与Nd:YAG单晶进行了对比.     

Preparation of Y3Al5O12 nanocrystals by low temperature glycol route

Yttrium aluminum garnet, Y₃Al₅O₁₂ (YAG) nanocrystals were synthesized by low temperature glycol method. This is a modified sol–gel method performed at low temperature that consists of a mixture of salts, mostly nitrates in an aqueous media. Single phase nanocrystalline YAG was obtained at 850°C, which is much lower than others such as wet‐chemical techniques. The structural characterization is done by XRD and transmission electron microscopy. The crystallite size range from 20‐50 nm was observed for the materials prepared at 850‐ 950°C. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Lasing and refractive indices of nanocrystalline ceramics of cubic Yttrium Oxide Y2O3 doped with Nd3+ and Yb3+ ions

A continuous-wave lasing at 1 μm was excited by the radiation of semiconductor laser diodes at room temperature in nanocrystalline ceramics Y₂O₃ doped with Nd³⁺ and Yb³⁺ ions. The refractive indices of the undoped nanocrystalline Y₂O₃ ceramics were measured in the wavelength range 0.4–9 μm.     

Magnetic properties and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy of nanocrystalline Ho3Al5O12

Nanocrystalline holmium aluminium garnet (Ho₃Al₅O₁₂) has been prepared for the first time by modified Pechini's reaction after sintering the precursor gel at 1223 K. The nanomaterial has been characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The XRD pattern confirms the formation of single‐phase Ho₃Al₅O₁₂; the average size of the nanoparticles has also been determined. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been used to study the chemical composition and bonding in the as‐prepared samples. The binding energies of core‐level electrons in Ho, Al and O in the title material have been found slightly shifted compared to the values of the respective elements. DC magnetic susceptibility has been measured in the temperature range 2 – 260 K. Low effective magnetic moment of Ho³⁺, μ_eff = 1.35 µ_B and Weiss constant have been derived from the inverse magnetic susceptibility–temperature linear plot. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Preparation of Nd:Y3Al5O12 nanocrystals by low temperature glycol route

Y₃Al₅O₁₂, yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) single crystals are extensively used as host materials for solid‐state lasers. The materials in nano sizes are of immense importance due to their fascinating physical and chemical properties. Nanocrystals of Nd doped YAG were synthesized by low temperature glycol route. This method consists of a mixing of nitrates in an aqueous media at reasonably low temperatures. The Nd doping concentration was optimized and kept at 2 mol%. The prepared material was annealed at different temperatures. Single phase Nd:YAG nanocrystals were obtained at 850 °C. The prepared nanocrystals were characterized by XRD, SEM and TEM techniques for the crystalline phase, crystalline size and structure. The crystalline sizes were obtained in the range of ∼20–30 nm. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Luminescence properties of Y3Al5O12:Eu3+-coated submicron SiO2 particles

Silica submicron spherical particles coated with an yttrium aluminum garnet (Y₃Al₅O₁₂, YAG) layer doped with Eu³⁺ were prepared by the sol–gel method. The structure and morphology of samples determined by the X-ray powder diffraction measurements and transmission electron microscope images, respectively, indicated that well-crystallized garnet nanocrystallites were formed with successive coating cycles. Similar trends were deduced from the evolution of the luminescence spectra. The ratio of integrated intensities of the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ and ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₁ transitions was used to analyze the structural variations in the surroundings of the Eu³⁺ ion. The effect of coating was analyzed by comparing the luminescence properties of the Y₃Al₅O₁₂:Eu³⁺ nanocrystalline powders and composite Y₃Al₅O₁₂:Eu³⁺/SiO₂ materials.     

(Y0.99-xCe0.01Gdx)3Al5O12-Al2O3共晶的生长和性能研究

采用光学浮区法生长了质量较好(Y0.99-xCe0.01Gdx)3Al5O12-Al2O3共晶,直径约为7 mm,长度约为25 mm.通过XRD分析,结果表明共晶中只有Al2O3和YAG两种晶相;通过SEM观察表明,两种晶相在三维空间交错生长,形成自生互穿网络结构,共晶间距为10 μm左右.在室温下,进行了发射光谱和荧光寿命的测试,发现随着Gd3+浓度的增加,发射光谱发生了红移,最大发射波长从555 nm移至570 nm,荧光寿命为65 ns附近,并测试了共晶荧光体与大功率蓝光芯片匹配所得的光色性能.     

Transport properties of Y3Fe5O12 garnet crystals

The temperature dependence of electrical resistivity ρ and thermopower θ is studied for a series of Y₃Fe₅O₁₂ (YIG) garnet single crystals with different levels of optical and structural quality. The effect of some technology-related impurities on the value of ρ is discussed. It is shown for the first time that the experimental data on the absorption coefficient and electrical resistivity can be interpreted based on a single physical parameter, namely, the intensity ratio of coherent and incoherent X-ray scattering (K/nk). This ratio characterizes the fraction of conduction electrons in a given sample. The results are discussed with due regard for the nonequivalence of the planes of the {110} and {111} types. The additional details of the charge-transfer mechanism are established for the (111)-oriented YIG samples. It is suggested that the ρ values could be characterized in terms of nk or nk/K.     

不同Yb掺质浓度的Yb:Y3Al5O12晶体激光性能的比较

采用提拉法生长了Yb3+掺质浓度为5;原子分数、 50;原子分数和100;原子分数的Yb:Y3Al5O12(Yb: YAG)晶体,系统地分析了不同Yb3+掺质浓度晶体的吸收光谱和荧光光谱.从吸收峰和吸收系数可以看出采用940nm LD泵浦三种不同浓度的Yb:YAG晶体都比较合适.随着Yb3+离子掺质浓度的增高,晶体中出现的自吸收现象越为明显.通过对三种不同Yb掺质浓度晶体激光性能参数的计算,得出高掺质浓度Yb:YAG和YbAG晶体是有前景的激光增益介质.     

Cathodoluminescent efficiency of Y3Al5O12 and YAlO3 single crystals in dependence on Ce3+ and other dopants concentration

The content of Ce³⁺ ions in the investigated single crystals grown under reducing conditions is limited by a low value of the distribution coefficient. This distribution coefficient decreases sharply with increasing concentration of Ce³⁺ ions in a melt. Cathodoluminescent efficiency rises with increasing Ce³⁺ concentration up to a certain state of saturation. At higher concentrations of Ce³⁺ ions emission from activator centres is dominant, while at lower concentrations defect centres play an important part. Iron acts as a strong quenching centre, especially in the YAlO₃ lattice. Nd, Ir, Fe, Ti, Cr centres exhibit a high quenching effect, too. A trace amount of Mo enhances cathodoluminescent efficiency.     

Co2+,Er3+:Y3Al5O12晶体的生长及其吸收特性

应用中频感应提拉法成功生长出新型的Co2+,Er3+:Y3Al5O12晶体.研究了室温下晶体的吸收光谱性能.结合Er3+:Y3Al5O12晶体的光谱,并利用调Q判据对Co2+,Er3+:Y3Al5O12晶体调Q特性进行了简单的分析.结果表明Co2+,Er3+:YAG晶体是一种很有潜力的自调Q激光晶体.     

SQUID magnetometry,EPR and XPS characterization of Y3Al5O12: Co,Si single crystals

Single crystals of garnet Y₃Al₅O₁₂ (YAG): Co and Co, Si were grown by Czochralski method as materials for optoelectronic applications. Silicon doping is responsible for the change of the Co³⁺ ions into Co²⁺ in order to keep charge neutrality of the material and for a coloration of materials. Magnetization and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance measurements show that the most cobalt ions in the silicon co‐doped crystals were Co²⁺ in octahedral positions. Estimated concentration of the Co²⁺ ions were close to Si⁴⁺ nominal concentration. A little excess of Co²⁺ may be ascribed to defects present in the crystals. For the crystal doped only with Co, the concentration of Co²⁺ was about 13% of the nominal Co amount and might be caused by crystal defects. X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy measurements exhibit aluminium deficiency. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Optical anisotropy associated with growth striation of yttrium garnet,Y3 (Al,Fe)5O12

The optical anisotropy associated with growth striae of yttrium garnet, Y₃(Al, Fe)₅O₁₂, was studied in terms of optical microscopy and EPMA analysis. It turned out that the lattice mismatch due to the compositional change at the growth striae gives rise to stressbirefringence. The result can be applied to compositional characterization of garnet single crystal by determining the vibration directions of polarized rays under a microscope.     

Ce3+∶GdLu2Al5O12/Al2O3共晶微结构及其发光性能

稀土共晶闪烁体是通过定向凝固晶体生长技术,将具有不同折射率的两相制备成具有射线探测功能的共晶材料,其中含有激活离子的闪烁体相的折射率高于基质相。在高能射线辐照下,闪烁体相将入射高能射线转换成荧光,然后,荧光在闪烁体相和基底相的界面以全反射的形式实现定向输出,从而有效提高辐射探测成像的空间分辨率。本工作采用微下降法成功生长得到φ3 mm×117.0 mm 的1.0%(原子数分数)Ce∶GdLu₂Al₅O₁₂/Al₂O₃闪烁共晶样品。通过切割抛光加工得到φ3 mm×2.0 mm的共晶薄片,并将该共晶薄片进行微观结构、能谱分析和荧光性能等表征和测试,结果表明所得到的共晶样品由Ce∶GdLuAG和Al₂O₃两晶相构成,微观结构呈现出“中国结”结构,并在生长方向呈现出一定的有序排列。荧光光谱测试表明该共晶材料存在Gd³⁺-Ce³⁺间的能量传递,具有典型的Ce³⁺辐射跃迁,其中双宽峰发射峰最强位于560 nm。此外,根据生长速率对共晶样品发射峰强、峰位以及荧光寿命影响,优化出最佳下拉生长速率为4.0 mm/min。     

Growth and properties of Lu3Al5O12-RE3+ single crystals

Optically transparent garnet single crystals were grown from Lu₃Al₅O₁₂ melts containing different RE³⁺ ions. The distribution coefficient of Nd³⁺ ions is found to be a function of the growth rate. Lu₂O₃–Al₂O₃ system studies have been partially carried out. Measurements of the lattice data, absorption spectra and comparison with some properties of Y₃Al₅O₁₂ single crystals have also been made.     

Site occupation and solubility limit of Sc in Lu3Al5O12

Crystallographic study of the Lu₃Al₅O₁₂:Sc system shows existence of a wide range of compositions involving substitutions by Sc for both six-fold octahedral and eight-fold dodecahedral sites of the lattice. In comparison to other rare-earth garnets, the total amount of Sc that can be tolerated by this matrix is however much lower. The limited solubility of Sc is associated with the small size difference between the constituent atoms, which approaches a critical value with increasing the Sc content. Preparation of clear single-phase solid solution crystals requires an accurate account of site occupation preferences.