Transparent pyrochlore ceramics - Optical properties of pyrochlores and light scattering study

This paper focuses on the analysis of light scattering effects in pyrochlore transparent ceramics. The refractive indices of various pyrochlore materials are summarized, and the refractive index-wavelength dependences are fitted using the Sellmeier equation, enabling the extrapolation of refractive indices at different wavelengths. The study investigates the validity of different light scattering approximations compared to Mie theory, highlighting the effectiveness of the van de Hulst approximation in describing the transmittance-pore diameter-wavelength dependence for pyrochlore systems. The influence of pore size (distribution) on light scattering is explored and among other results, it is found that the critical pore size leading to the highest level of light scattering was approximately half the wavelength of light, with variations depending on the system's refractive index. The findings provide valuable insights into the optical properties of pyrochlore transparent ceramics and offer guidelines for reduction of light scattering.