Structural and spectral properties of YAG:Nd, YAG:Ce and YAG:Yb nanocrystalline powders synthesized via modified Pechini method

Synthesis of nanocrystalline yttrium-aluminum garnet doped with neodymium was performed via modified Pechini methods. Evolution of material during synthesis was studied using differential thermal analysis; the structure and morphology of synthesized nanopowders were studied using scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. It was shown that the use of an additional low-temperature stabilizer leads to formation of crystalline yttrium-aluminum garnet phase at lower temperatures. It was shown that the formation of nanocrystals occurs at the temperature of about 883 °C. Obtained powders can be used as precursors for ceramics sintering or be introduced into the optical fiber in order to fabricate optical amplifiers.