Preparation and characterization of Yb-doped YAG ceramics

This work presents the results of the preparation of polycrystalline Yb:YAG ceramics for laser sources with dopant concentration from 0 up to 20 at.% via solid state reactive sintering. Samples were prepared via cold isostatic pressing of spray dried mixture of pure oxide powders with TEOS as a sintering aid. Sintering was conducted under high vacuum and clean atmosphere. Various sintering cycles were tested, so that optimum conditions could be selected in dependence on Yb concentration. Samples with optical transmittance higher than 80% were prepared and their laser performance was examined. Slope efficiency as high as 73% and a maximum output power of 6 W were obtained for the sample doped with 10% Yb. Final microstructure of prepared samples was analyzed via optical microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and EDS.

► Yb:YAG ceramics for laser sources were prepared by solid state reactive sintering.
► Dopant concentration up to 20 at.% and various sintering conditions were tested.
► Slope efficiency up to 73% and output powder up to 6 W were obtained.
► Results were related to SEM and TEM microstructure and optical transmittance.