Laser Sintering and Optical Characterization of LuAG: Ce Ceramics

This work investigates the synthesis and characterization of LuAG:Ce ceramics produced by conventional and laser sintering, focusing on crystal structure, densification, and photoluminescent properties. X‐ray diffraction confirmed the formation of a single‐phase cubic LuAG structure after calcination at 900 °C, with no secondary phases or Ce 3+ segregation. Laser sintering was optimized by varying beam diameter, heating rate, and dwell time, resulting in ceramics with high relative density and homogeneous microstructure in significantly reduced processing times. Photoluminescence analysis revealed excitation bands at 350 nm and 445 nm, and an emission band centered at 510 nm. Increasing Ce 3+ concentration caused a red shift in the emission peak, more pronounced in laser‐sintered samples. This effect, along with reduced emission intensity and changes in excitation band ratios, was associated with a higher concentration of oxygen vacancies. These results demonstrate the potential of laser sintering for efficient production of dense and luminescent ceramics, with important implications for defect control and optical performance.