Fabrication of laser grade Yb: Y₂O₃ transparent ceramics with ZrO₂ additive through hot isostatic pressing

Laser grade 8 at.% Yb: Y₂O₃ transparent ceramics were fabricated with ZrO₂ as a sintering additive by using hot isostatic pressing. The hot isostatic pressed 8 at.% Yb: Y₂O₃ transparent ceramics have a small average grain size of 3 μm and a high transmittance of 82.8 % in the near-infrared light region. Optical homogeneity is compromised slightly in the visible light region likely because of the presence of nano/submicro-scaled pores. Laser output at 1076 nm reaches a maximum power of 1.1 W and a slope efficiency of 6.1 %, indicating that the hot isostatic pressed 8 at.% Yb: Y₂O₃ transparent ceramics have a promising optical quality. An unusual laser damage is observed and believed to be related to ZrO₂ additive associated defects.