Beyond Scanning Electron Microscopy: Comprehensive Pore Analysis in Transparent Ceramics Using Optical Microscopy

Developing an effective method of quantifying defects in the bulk of transparent ceramics is a challenging task that could facilitate their widespread use as a substitute for single crystals. Conventionally, SEM analysis is used to examine the microstructure but it is limited to the material surface. On the other hand, optical transmittance assesses material quality, but does not provide information on the size and concentration of defects. In this study, we illustrate the use of a digital optical microscope for the non-destructive, precise, and rapid analysis of residual porosity in transparent ceramics. YAG-based ceramics doped with Yb have been selected for this study because they are used as laser gain media, an application that requires virtually defect-free components. Different production processes were used to produce YAG samples, and the digital optical microscope analysis was used to compare them. This analysis was shown to be effective and precise to measure the size and concentration of the residual pores. In addition, the comparison of samples obtained with different production processes showed that the size and distribution of the residual porosity is affected by the drying step of the powders before shaping by pressing, as well as by the sintering aids used to ease the densification. It also showed that the transmittance is influenced by both the total volume and the concentration of the pores.