Effect of B2O3 additive on the microstructure and luminescent properties of spark plasma sintered YAG: Ce transparent ceramics

Transparent ceramics Y3Al5O12: Ce3+ (YAG: Ce) were prepared by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) process with B2O3 acting as the sintering additive. The effect of B2O3 on the microstructure and luminescent properties were examined. With the help of the liquid phase created by the low melting point B2O3 additives, the carbon contamination of the SPS prepared YAG: Ce ceramics was remarkably relieved, the relative density and the in-line transmittance were enhanced, and the starting temperature of densification was lowered by approximately 170 degrees C. Moreover, the B2O3 additive could enter into the YAG host lattice as a dopant. Consequently, the smaller B3+ ions replaced the Al3+ ions, enhancing the crystal field splitting of Ce3+ and significantly redshifting its 5d -> 4 f emission band.