Light scattering due to birefringence has prevented the use of polycrystalline ceramics with anisotropic optical properties in applications such as laser gain media. However, continued development of processing technology has allowed for very low porosity and fine grains, significantly improving transparency and is paving the way for polycrystalline ceramics to be used in demanding optical applications. We present a method for producing highly transparent Cr3+ doped Al2O3 (ruby) using current activated pressure assisted densification. The one-step doping/densification process produces fine grained ceramics with well integrated (doped) Cr, resulting in good absorption and emission. In order to explain the light transmission properties, we extend the analytical model based on the Rayleigh-Gans-Debye approximation that has been previously used for undoped alumina to include absorption. The model presented captures reflection, scattering, and absorption phenomena in the ceramics. Comparison with measured transmission confirms that the model adequately describes the properties of polycrystalline ruby. In addition the measured emission spectra and emission lifetime are found to be similar to single crystals, confirming the high optical quality of the ceramics.
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14 January 2016
Research Article|
January 13 2016
The role of scattering and absorption on the optical properties of birefringent polycrystalline ceramics: Modeling and experiments on ruby (Cr:Al2O3)
E. H. Penilla
;
E. H. Penilla
1Materials Science and Engineering Program and Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of California
, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, USA
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C. L. Hardin;
C. L. Hardin
1Materials Science and Engineering Program and Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of California
, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, USA
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Y. Kodera;
Y. Kodera
1Materials Science and Engineering Program and Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of California
, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, USA
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S. A. Basun;
S. A. Basun
2
Air Force Research Laboratory
, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, WPAFB, Ohio 45433, USA
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D. R. Evans;
D. R. Evans
2
Air Force Research Laboratory
, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, WPAFB, Ohio 45433, USA
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J. E. Garay
J. E. Garay
a)
1Materials Science and Engineering Program and Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of California
, Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, USA
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a)
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Electronic mail: jegaray@engr.ucr.edu
J. Appl. Phys. 119, 023106 (2016)
Article history
Received:
September 28 2015
Accepted:
December 15 2015
Citation
E. H. Penilla, C. L. Hardin, Y. Kodera, S. A. Basun, D. R. Evans, J. E. Garay; The role of scattering and absorption on the optical properties of birefringent polycrystalline ceramics: Modeling and experiments on ruby (Cr:Al2O3). J. Appl. Phys. 14 January 2016; 119 (2): 023106. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4939090
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