Multilayer YAG/Re:YAG/YAG laser ceramic prepared by tape casting and vacuum sintering method

This paper reports the use of tape casting and vacuum sintering process for the fabrication of optical grade YAG/Re:YAG/YAG (Re = Yb or Nd) composite laser ceramic. The influence of dispersant content on the rheological behavior of the slurry, the microstructure, the optical and laser performances, were studied. The experimental results showed that laser output at 1030 nm was generated for YAG/Yb:YAG/YAG with threshold absorbed pump power of 4.33 W and slope efficiency of about 12% when the transmission of output coupler (Toc) was 2.3%. For YAG/Nd:YAG/YAG ceramic, 1064 nm laser output was obtained, and the slope efficiency increased from 30% to 38% while Toc changed from 2.3% to 10%.