| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T22: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
Mesoscale Phenomena in Functional Polycrystals and Their Nanostructures
|
| Presentation Title |
Micro/Nanostructure Effects on Thermal Conductivity and Optical Light Transmission—Designing High Performance Laser Ceramics |
| Author(s) |
Javier Garay |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Javier Garay |
| Abstract Scope |
Heat generation and thermally induced failure has been a major challenge for high-power applications in solid state lasers. Improvements in the solid-state laser ceramic fabrication process offer improved mechanical toughness and comparable thermal conductivity compared to single crystal counterparts. Equally enticing is the possibility of using materials with intrinsically superior thermal/mechanical properties that are not viable in the single crystal form. We will discuss the nano/microstructural effects on optical, thermal, and mechanical properties of polycrystalline ceramics, recent developments in a variety of commonly used crystalline laser materials, and potential future directions for more robust laser gain materials for high-power applications. It is argued that the engineering microstructure with both optical and thermal performances in mind might offer breakthrough improvements in laser gain media. |