Fabrication of Nd:YAG Laser Ceramics via Fused Deposition Modeling

ABSTRACT To address the thermal management issues during the diode laser pumping process, solid‐state laser gain media have been developed into various shapes and configurations. As a typical additive manufacturing technique, fused deposition modeling (FDM) exhibits advantages such as low requirements on feedstock rheology and the capability to fabricate multi‐component and large‐sized ceramic samples with complex shapes. In this study, the FDM method was applied to form Nd:YAG laser ceramics. The green bodies underwent a combined debinding process involving both solvent extraction and thermal treatment. After that, the samples were densified by vacuum sintering and followed by hot isostatic pressing. The in‐line transmittance at 1064 nm of the Nd:YAG laser ceramic approaches 83.9%. With an output coupling mirror transmittance of 30%, the 3×3×6 mm 3 sample achieved a maximum output of 7.7 W under the diode laser pump power of 20.0 W, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 40.7%. The FDM method has shown great potential for the fabrication of high optical quality laser ceramics with complicated configurations.