Ceramic windows and gain media for high-energy lasers

Recent progress in high-quality transparent ceramic window materials (MgAl 2 O 4 spinel and β -SiC) and high-power solid-state laser materials (Yb 3+ ∶Y 2 O 3 , Yb 3+ ∶Lu 2 O 3 , and Ho 3+ ∶Lu 2 O 3 ) is reported. Spinel ceramic demonstrates a record low-absorption loss of 6 ppm/cm at 1.06 μm. The capability of fabricating various shapes and sizes of spinel ceramics is also demonstrated. We also report optical transparency from a β -SiC ceramic fabricated by field assisted sintering technology (FAST). We report lasing in hot-pressed Yb 3+ ∶Y 2 O 3 and Yb 3+ ∶Lu 2 O 3 ceramic made from coprecipitated powder. The highest ever reported output power and efficiency from 10% doped Yb 3+ ∶Lu 2 O 3 ceramic is also presented. Lasing oscillation from hot pressed composite of five-layered Yb 3+ ∶Y 2 O 3 ceramic is also demonstrated for the first time.