Synthesis of polycrystalline Yb:Gd3Ga5O12 nanopowders by homogeneous precipitation method

The Ytterbium doped gadolinium gallium garnet [Yb3+:Gd3Ga5O12, Yb:GGG] precursor powders were synthesized via homogeneous precipitation method using Yb2O3, Ga2O3, Gd2O3 and ammonium bicarbonate [NH4HCO3] as precipitator, and ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2SO4] as additive. The evolution of phase composition and micro-structure of the powders were characterized by — TG DTA, XRD, IR, and TEM. The results indicate that all precursor powders completely transform to Yb:GGG phase by calcining at 900 °C for 8 h, the resultant powders are well dispersed and have smaller particle size approximately 80 nm owing to the electrostatic effect.