High-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis of the microstructures of Cr4+:Y3Al5O12 double-clad crystal fibers prepared by LHPG method
Journal
Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics
Journal Volume
24
Journal Issue
3
Pages
911-915
Date Issued
2013
Author(s)
Abstract
In order to unravel the relation of the nanostructure of Cr 4+:Y3Al5O12 (Cr4+:YAG) crystal fibers controlled by the laser-heated pedestal growth (LHPG) technique with different growth conditions, the nanostructural analysis of Cr:YAG crystal fiber was investigated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), which offers nano-scale information in the core region and inner/outer cladding interface and the mechanism of inter-diffusion process during growth. HRTEM analysis indicates that the core has high crystallinity and a sharp core/inner-cladding interface. γ-Al2O3 nanocrystals were formed during YAG/SiO2 inter-diffusion. To further enhance the Cr4+ concentration in YAG crystal fiber, the Cr4+ ions were replenished using an electron gun to deposit Cr2O3 and divalent-ion oxide (CaO or MgO) on the source rod circumference before LHPG. It was observed that Ca2+ diffuses into the source rod more efficiently than Mg2+, while generating fewer defects and stacking faults. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.
Type
journal article