Vacuum sintering of transparent Cr:Y2O3 ceramics

0-0.7 at% Cr:Y2O3 transparent ceramics were prepared by vacuum sintering. The optimum in-line transmittance in the visible and near infrared region is 78%, and the Vickers hardness of the sintered 0.1 at% Cr:Y2O3 is 10.1 GPa, respectively. The mechanism of Cr-doped and the optical properties has been discussed. The results indicated that the Cr:Y2O3 transparent ceramic is a promising laser material with enhanced mechanical property.