The influence of fabrication conditions on the physical properties of PLZT:Nd3+ ceramics

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the effect of fabrication conditions and neodymium co-doping on the physical properties of (Pb0:98La0:02)(Zr0:65Ti0:35)0:98O3, known as PLZT:Nd3+ ceramics. All ceramic powders of these materials were synthesized by the conventional mixed oxide method, from the high purity raw materials (>99.9%). The bulk ceramic samples were sintered by the pressure less sintering and the hot-uniaxial pressing techniques. The study gives a detailed account of the relationships between doping and preparing conditions on the dielectric and optical properties of obtained ceramic materials. Optimal conditions of PLZT:Nd3+ preparation as well as Nd3+ activator concentration were determined in relation to the potential opto-electronic applications.