Optical and magneto-optical properties of Nd0.1La0.1Y1.8O3 transparent ceramics

Transparent ceramics in the form of yttrium oxide (Y2O3) doped with La and Nd and pure yttrium as a reference material were successfully prepared via modified EDTA gel process and hot isostatic pressure sintering. Their structure and microstructure were examined by means of scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, which revealed the high density and single-phase character of these materials. Their optical and magneto-optical properties were also analyzed. Emission spectra of Nd0.1La0.1Y1.8O3 after excitation performed with a continuous 808 nm laser beam showed strong and sharp emission lines. The luminescence lifetime was also investigated. The doped material exhibited a high Verdet constant of over 1000 deg/T m. The figure of merit was calculated in the VIS spectrum. The investigated transparent oxide ceramics can be considered a promising material for application in lasers and magneto-optical devices.