Synthesis Of Highly Sinterable Tm,Ho:(Lu1-Xscx)(2)O-3 Powders By Spray Co-Precipitation For Transparent Ceramics: Influence Of The Variable X

Highly sinterable Tm,Ho:(Lu1-xScx)(2)O-3 nanopowders were synthesized by a spray co-precipitation method. The influences of the calcination temperatures and x values on the morphology and composition of the powders were studied. The results indicated that the precursor gradually formed needlelike structures with increasing x values, and the powders calcined at 1100 degrees C for 2 h exhibited the highest uniformity and sintering activity. Using the powders calcined at 1100 degrees C, the Tm,Ho:(Lu1-xScx)(2)O-3 ceramics with the highest in-line transmittance of 79.80% at 2090 nm were fabricated by vacuum sintering at 1550 degrees C for 10 h and further hot isostatic pressing under 190 MPa at 1700 degrees C. Owing to the disordered crystal structure of the (Lu1-xScx)(2)O-3, the grain size of the ceramics decreased from 1.72 im to 1.16 im, and the emission spectra showed some variation with increasing x values. This work demonstrates promise in facilitating the production of Tm,Ho:(Lu1-xScx)(2)O-3 transparent ceramics for their use in 2 im ultrashort laser pulse and other applications.