Effects of aging on the characteristics of Nd:YAG nano-powders

We report here the synthesis of homogeneous and fine Nd:YAG (Nd:Y3Al5O12) nano-powders via the microwave-assisted precipitation (MAP) method followed by calcination at 1373 K for 2 h. We find that the phase, morphology, and sinterability of the Nd:YAG nano-powders are affected remarkably by the conditions of aging. It is confirmed that aging should be performed in enclosed environment in order to obtain uniform and pure phase Nd:YAG nano-powders. The Nd:YAG nano-powders obtained from the precursors aged in enclosed vessel for 6 days showed better sinterability and finer grains than those aged in air. Transparent Nd:YAG ceramic pellet was obtained by vacuum sintering at 2003 K for 10 h (a transmittance of 75%) from the Nd:YAG nano-powders aged in enclosed vessel for 6 days.