Microstructure, luminescence, and dielectric properties of microwave-sintered Ce:LuAG nano-ceramics

Abstract

Herein, phase pure and highly crystalline Ce:LuAG nano-ceramics were fabricated using a novel, ultra-fast microwave sintering approach. The influence of microwave sintering on the microstructural, photoluminescence, and dielectric characteristics of Ce:LuAG nano-ceramic powders was examined. Microwave-assisted sintering of Ce:LuAG nano-ceramic powders yielded high crystallinity, low lattice strain, and reduced grain size. The process also improved the sintering kinetics and enhanced the surface diffusion between the grains, resulting in enhanced luminescence and dielectric properties. The Cole-Cole impedance plots showed single semicircular arcs, indicating non-Debye relaxation and a high dielectric constant in the microwave-sintered Ce:LuAG nano-ceramic and highlighting its potential for use in optoelectronics.