Growth of optical grade yttrium oxide single crystal via ceramic technology

To sinter neodymium doped yttrium oxide (NDY) singe crystal several successive technologies: laser synthesis of NDY nanopowder, pulsed magnetic compacting of the powder and two stage vacuum sintering were used. With the help of abnormal grain growth samples of NDY single crystal were produced. Conditions that are necessary for abnormal grain growth in yttrium oxide as well to grow the optical grade single crystal are discussed.

► Ceramic process enables growth of Nd3+:Y2O3 (NDY) optical grade single crystal.
► Pulsed magnetic compacting of laser synthesized NDY nanopowder produces fine green body.
► Rate control sintering at temperature lower 1550 °С produces minimally porous NDY ceramic.
► Sintering of NDY at temperature above 2000 °С leads to abnormal grain growth.
► Sintering at temperature higher 2050°С leads to formation of second phase on NDY crystallites boundaries.