Synthesis of Nd-YAG material by citrate-nitrate sol-gel combustion route

Polycrystalline, Neodymium doped, yttrium aluminum garnet Nd:YAG is a functional materials for solid-state lasers. The synthesis of Nd:YAG powders requires a strict control of the precursor reactivity and composition. Sol-gel citrate-based methods increase the chemical homogeneity and reactivity of the precursor powder. Calcination performed around 900°C leads to the formation of pure YAG phase at temperatures much lower than the temperature required for the solid-state reaction (1600°C).