Influence of Sulfate-Ion Additive at Different Stages of YAG: CR Ceramics Fabrication on the Optical Properties

This study investigated the influence of the concentration of sulfate ions at key technological stages of the synthesis of YAG:Cr ceramic powder on the optical properties of ceramics. The particle size and size distribution, the degree of agglomeration, the specific surface area, and the phase composition of the ceramic powder were evaluated. The variations in the microstructure and optical properties of the YAG:Cr ceramic material were assessed in relation to the amount of sulfate ions used at various stages of the synthesis of ceramic powder. It was demonstrated that the use of 0.200 M and 0.045 M solutions of sulfate ions at the stage of precipitation or washing of the precipitate, respectively, resulted in the superior particle size distribution characteristics and the highest monodispersity of precursor powders and YAG:Cr ceramic powders. Furthermore, it improved the optical properties of YAG:Cr ceramics with a transmittance value exceeding 81.5%.