Investigation of the spectroscopic properties of highly transparent Yb:(Y0.97Zr0.03)2O3 ceramic

(Y0.97−xZr0.03Ybx)2O3(x = 0–0.15) transparent ceramics were fabricated by solid-state reaction. As ZrO2 was introduced as additive, the transmittance of yttria ceramic was improved greatly. The optical measurements such as absorption, fluorescence spectrum and lifetime of Yb3+ ion were carried out at room temperature. The intensities of the absorption peaks (904 and 973 nm) increase linearly with Yb3+ ion concentration. The absorption cross-section at 973 nm and stimulated emission cross-section at 1032 nm are calculated to be 1.175 × 10−20 and 1.767 × 10−20 cm2, respectively. The lifetime of 5.0 at.% Yb:Y2O3 ceramic is measured to be 0.93 ms. According to the emission spectra and measured lifetime, the optimum doping concentration of Yb3+ ion in Y2O3 transparent ceramic is in the range of 5.0–8.0 at.%. Meanwhile the up-conversion luminescence is also investigated.