Highly Dense, Transparent α‐ <scp> <scp>Al</scp> </scp> ₂ <scp> <scp>O</scp> </scp> ₃ Ceramics From Ultrafine Nanoparticles Via a Standard <scp>SPS</scp> Sintering

Abstract

Using discrete, ultrafine alumina, highly dense transparent (71% real in‐line transmission, RIT , λ = 640 nm) ceramics were achieved with grain size as small as 260 nm using standard SPS sintering. We show that use of La 3+ as a dopant greatly reduces sensitivity to the sintering temperatures. Transparent alumina were achieved in a large range of sintering temperatures, 1140°C &lt; T &lt; 1200°C, thus providing better reliability and flexibility into the fabrication of large sintered transparent ceramic bodies.