THE INFLUENCE OF FABRICATION CONDITIONS ON THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF PLZT:Nd3+ CERAMICS

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