Preparation and optical properties of transparent Eu³⁺: Y ₃Al_5(1-x)Sc_5xO₁₂ ceramics

Using a novel combustion method, Eu-doped Eu:yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) and Eu:YSAG powders, and transparent Eu:YSAG ceramics were fabricated. The optical properties of these transparent ceramics have been measured, and a reduced peak splitting of Eu³⁺ for ⁵D₀→ ⁷F₁ and ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ was observed when 10 at.% A1³⁺ was substituted by Sc³⁺. The enhanced symmetry of the Eu sites in YAG lattice, which resulted from the expanded YSAG lattice by Sc³⁺ doping, is the main reason for the reduced peak splitting.