Fabrication of Laser Grade Yb: Y2O3 Transparent Ceramics with ZrO2 Additive through Hot Isostatic Pressing

摘要： Laser grade 8 at.% Yb: Y2O3 transparent ceramics were fabricated with ZrO2 as a sintering additive by using hot isostatic pressing. The hot isostatic pressed 8 at.% Yb: Y2O3 transparent ceramics have a small average grain size of 3 μm and a high transmittance of 82.8% in the near-infrared light region. Optical homogeneity is compromised slightly in the visible light region likely because of the presence of nano/micro-scaled pores. Laser output at 1076 nm reaches a maximum power of 1.1 W and a slope efficiency of 6.1%, indicating that the hot isostatic pressed 8 at.% Yb: Y2O3 transparent ceramics have a promising optical quality. An unusual laser damage is observed and believed to be related to ZrO2 additive associated defects.