Microcrystal growth in heat-treating process for Europium ions doped aluminosilicate glasses

Eu doped YAG glass ceramics containing single phase of YAG micro-cryatals have been obtained by heat-treating the aluminosilicate precursor glasses. The primary crystallite size of YAG phase is calculated to be ~46 nm and the crystal grains grow with preffered orientation (444) in the internal network. The average secondary particle size is estimated to be ~8μm and the larger grain size is due to the particle aggregation. The pilotaxitic texture of YAG glass ceramics presented in SEM micrograph, can increase yield strength and tensile strength of the sample effectively. The emission spectrum of Eu doped YAG glass ceramics consists of a broad blue emission band and several narrow emission bands, indicating the coexistence of Eu3+ and Eu2+ ions in YAG glass ceramics. © (2012) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.