Sintering, Solid State Conversion, and Performance of Laser Host Ceramics

非技术描述：该计划正在开发通过固态转换（SSC）生产用于高功率激光应用的新型Y3Al5O12和Y2O3掺杂Nd 3+，Er 3+和Yb 3+单晶所需的科学。 SSC工艺利用了高温处理期间陶瓷中广泛的晶粒生长（尺寸为毫米至厘米），使得最大的晶粒是高质量的单晶。 通过在固态下工作，而不是通常使用的液体生长工艺，所生产的晶体具有卓越的质量，从而显着提高了激光应用的光学性能。技术优势：在该研究计划下，正在开发SSC方法，以生产掺杂Nd 3+，Er 3+和Yb 3+的Y3Al5O 12和Y2O3光学单晶。 宾夕法尼亚州立大学团队正在研究SSC过程的热力学和动力学，并开发出一种强大的科学理解，可应用于其他材料单晶的SSC生长。 新光学晶体的光学性能正在与相同成分的陶瓷进行比较，以了解晶界如何影响光学行为。该项目正在开发一套新的固态光学材料，其性能和功能比目前可用的任何材料都要高，这些材料将使未来的光学技术具有比目前更高的效率和功率。 作为这项研究计划的一部分，研究生正在给高中生讲课和演示，教育他们有关激光器中使用的材料。 特别强调突出材料和陶瓷研究在激光发展的未来的作用，希望激发学生调查陶瓷科学领域，因为他们开始，使他们的大学入学决定。

NON-TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION: This program is developing the science necessary to produce novel Y3Al5O12 and Y2O3 doped with Nd3+, Er3+, and Yb3+ single crystals for high power laser applications by solid state conversion (SSC). The SSC process takes advantage of extensive grain growth (millimeter to centimeter in size) in a ceramic during high temperature processing such that the largest grains are high quality single crystals. By working in the solid state, rather the commonly used liquid growth processes, the crystals produced have exceptional quality and thus significantly improved optical performance for laser applications.TECHNICAL DETAILS: Under this research program, the SSC method is being developed to produce optical single crystals of Y3Al5O12 and Y2O3 doped with Nd3+, Er3+, and Yb3+. The Penn State University team is investigating the thermodynamics and kinetics of the SSC process and developing a robust, scientific understanding that can be applied to the SSC growth of single crystals of other materials. Optical performance of the new optical crystals is being compared to ceramics of same composition to understand how grain boundaries affect optical behavior. The project is leading to a new suite of solid state optical materials with greater performance and functionality than any material currently available, and these materials will enable future optical technologies with greater efficiency and power than are currently possible. As part of this research program, graduate students are giving lectures and demonstrations to high school students to educate them about materials used in lasers. Special emphasis is placed on highlighting the roles of materials and ceramic research in the future of laser development with the hope of inspiring students to investigate the field of ceramic science as they begin to make their college entrance decisions.