Impact of Sm ions on microstructure and magneto-optical effects of Y2O3 ceramics obtained by arc plasma melting

Faraday materials based on transparent ceramics are regarded for high power magneto-optical isolators. Pure yttria ceramics with high transmittance were prepared using the raw oxide powders. To enhance the magneto–optical performance of the ceramics, samarium oxide were introduced to yttrium oxide matrix as a paramagnetic ions. The Sm-Y2O3 Faraday ceramic was melted above 2700 °C for 10 min. It is noted that as-prepared ceramic presents the highest in-line transmittance above 61.0% at the high spectrum range of wavelengths from 350 to 1110 nm. Physicochemical properties of the sample were characterized by means of numerous techniques. No secondary phase was detected from the sample using X-ray diffraction. The Verdet constant of Sm-Y2O3 ceramic at 532 nm is as high as 20 rad/m*T, which is higher than that of pure Y2O3 ceramic. The good optical quality and magneto-optical properties make Sm-Y2O3 ceramic an attractive magneto-optical material.