Beta Alumina: A Solid-Electrolyte as a Solid-State Laser Host.

Abstract

Sodium beta alumina is a non-stoichiometric sodium aluminate known for its rapid transport of Na(+) ions. The unique ability of Beta alumina to exhibit divalent and trivalent cation motion permits optically active ions to be introduced in the structure by low temperature ion exchange techniques. The synthesis, structure and optical properties of Nd(3+) exchanged Beta alumina are reviewed in this paper. The material exhibits interesting optical properties, including laser action in small platelet crystals. The structure of the conduction plane, the presence of Na(+) and its motion all appear to have a significant influence on optical properties. Sodium Beta alumina is a non-stoichiometric solid electrolyte known for its high conductivity of Na(+) ions. The structure consists of spinal blocks of closely packed Al(3+) and O(2-) separated by loosely packed slabs containing Na(+) and O(2-) ions. The open space within these slabs permits rapid Na(+) migration in two dimensions.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1985
Accession Number
ADA159409

Entities

People

  • Bruce S. Dunn
  • G. C. Farrington
  • J. O. Thomas

Organizations

  • University of California, Los Angeles

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Absorption
  • California
  • Chemistry
  • Diffraction
  • Distortion
  • Engineering
  • Ion Exchange
  • Lasers
  • Low Temperature
  • Materials
  • Materials Science
  • Military Research
  • Optical Properties
  • Solid State Lasers
  • United States
  • Universities
  • X Rays

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Space