LAUSR

Abstract The SrF2 nanoparticles activated by Nd3+ were synthesized via precipitation method. The samples were characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and optical transmission spectrum. The FESEM results showed that reactant concentration played significant role in the morphology and size of final SrF2 particles. i.e., slab-like shape with about 400 × 200 × 100 nm in size SrF2 grains were synthesized at 0.1 M reactant concentration. While a size of about 15–30 nm and near-spherical morphology particles could be obtained at 0.5–1.0 M. Due to higher probability of particles collision, the situation changes to cone-like grains with mean size of about 500 nm at 1.5 M. Observed lattice distortion from HRTEM measurement indicates successful introduction of Nd3+ into the SrF2 matrix. The as-prepared Nd:SrF2 nanopowder can be fabricated to transparent ceramic with a transmittance of about 80% at 1060 nm under vacuum hot pressed sintering at 800 °C for 2 h, indicating good sinterability of the nanopowders.