Structural, Optical and Vibrational Characterization of Infrared - transparent Nanostructured MgAl2O4 Synthesized by a Modified Combustion Technique

In this paper we report the synthesis of MgAl2O4 (Spinel) by a modified auto-igniting combustion technique for the first time. The as prepared powder is phase pure and the average grain size is around 16 nm with well defined lattice planes. The vibrational spectroscopic studies confirm the structure of the sample. The spinel ceramic pellet sintered to 98.5% of the theoretical density shows a transmittance of 71% in the visible region and 65% in the mid-infrared region, which can be further improved by polishing and consequently found applications as infrared transparent windows and domes.