Transparent Yb:(YLa)2O3 ceramics produced by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis and microwave sintering

A new self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) technique for production of yttrium oxide nanopowders, doped with rare-earth ions, from metal acetatonitrates was developed. The synthesized powders were used for preparing transparent ceramic samples by microwave sintering. Optical properties (transmittance, absorption, scattering, refraction) of Yb0.1(Y, La)1.9O3 ceramics depending on the content of lanthanum oxide, have been investigated. For the first time lasing at 1030 nm in Yb0.1Y1.7La0.2O3 ceramics, prepared by these methods, has been attained.

► High-purity nanopowders were prepared by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis.
► The powder compacts were sintered on microwave heating.
► Obtained Y1.7La0.2Yb0.1O3 ceramics has optical quality high enough to produce lasing radiation.