Programme

Confirmed Invited Speakers
PROGRAMME

Programme Overview - PDF download
Advance Programme - PDF download

Organisation Committee

Michael Bredol, Münster University of Applied Sciences, Chemical Engineering

Thomas Jüstel, Münster University of Applied Sciences, Chemical Engineering

Ulrich Kynast, Münster University of Applied Sciences, Chemical Engineering

Ulrich Wittrock, Münster University of Applied Sciences, Applied Physics

International Committee

George Boulon, Physical Chemistry of Luminescent Materials Lab, University of Lyon, France

Alexander A. Kaminskii, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Crystallography, Moscow, Russia

Wieslaw Strêk, Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland

Ken-ichi Ueda, Institute for Laser Science, University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo, Japan

Confirmed Invited Speakers

Author	Title	Abstract
Boulon, G.	Segregation phenomenon of rare earth dopants in ceramics	We analyse segregation phenomenon of Ce³⁺ (first position) and Yb³⁺ (last position) rare earth dopants in grain and grain boundaries of oxide optical ceramics from imaging confocal microscopy and transmission electronic microscopy. Interpretation is related with growth from liquid phase.
Dong, J.	Comparative investigation of cw and Q-switched laser characteristics of Yb:YAG ceramics and crystals	CW and Q-switched laser performance of Yb:YAG ceramics and single-crystals was investigated systematically. The effects of Yb concentration, the output coupling and different combinations of Yb:YAG, Cr, Ca:YAG crystals and ceramics on the cw and passively Q-switched laser characteristics were addressed.
Gaume, R.	Characterization of absorption losses in YAG laser ceramics	We will report on comparative thermalized absorption measurements obtained in various YAG transparent ceramics and single-crystals. Correlations with lattice defects and impurities content will be discussed.
Jaque, D.	Microstructuration techniques for the development of minituarized Nd:YAG ceramic lasers	The last developments achieved in the micro-structuration of Nd:YAG ceramic lasers for their incorporation in active photonic devices will be discussed. We will pay special attention to the fundamentals of the different techniques used up to now.
Kaminskii, A. A.	Where did the fifty-year search for laser crystal and ceramics take us?	During half a century history of the laser era the search for laser crystals and ceramics has brought many important results. They have largely determined the development and formation of laser physics. Applications of laser crystals and ceramics are well known. Some of them (mainly with Ln³⁺ lasants) in the report would be given special attention. Unfortunately, the further success of the search and application of laser crystal materials prevented a number of issues that have not been fully resolved over the years. Some of these problems will be considered in the report taking into account modern trends of laser physics and nonlinear optics.
Kawanaka, J.	High pulse energy and high average power laser by using a composite ceramic	Diode-pumped solid-state laser has been developed by using a cryogenic composite ceramic. A novel laser amplifier arrangement of total-reflection active-mirror was proposed for high-pulse-energy and high-average-power simultaneously. The regenerative amplifier was demonstrated and a joule-class multi-pass amplifier is under construction.
Khazanov, E.	Specificity of thermal effects in laser ceramics as compared to single crystals: theory and experiments	We review theoretical predictions and experimental confirmations of strong statistical dispersion of thermal lensing and thermally induced depolarization in ceramics. This effect is specific to ceramics and has no analogues either in glasses or in single crystals.
Kong, Hong Jin	Phase controlled stimulated Brillouin scattering phase conjugate mirror and its application to a coherent four-beam combination	Coherent four-beam combination using the self-phase controlled stimulated Brillouin scattering phase conjugate mirror is constructed. With the wavefront dividing method and the amplitude dividing method, the phase fluctuations between the SBS beams are well-stabilized when the amplifiers are operating.
Kuretake, S.	Nd³⁺-doped Ba(Zr⁴⁺,Mg²⁺,Ta⁵⁺)O₃ ceramics as laser materials	We report transparent Nd³⁺-doped Ba(Zr,Mg,Ta)O₃ (Nd:BZMT) ceramics as laser materials. The results of the structural analyses and the fluorescence properties in Nd:BZMT fabricated by adjusting the BZMT composition in order to substitute Nd dopants at different crystal sites will be reported.
Menke, Y.	Transparent ceramics for optical and fluorescence applications	In this paper new developments in the fabrication of high refractive index materials with cubic crystal structure as possible matrix material for rare-earth activated compounds are described. Related applications in both optical and fluorescence application fields are illustrated.
Shimony, Y.	Strength and strengthening of polycrystalline (ceramic) laser components	Crystalline laser components may fracture under high thermally induced stress. In the present paper, ways to evaluate the tensile strength of crystalline and poly-crystalline laser components will be discussed, as well as paths to enhance their strength.
Strêk, W.	Up-conversion phenomena in RE³⁺ doped transparent nanoceramics	The double Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ doped YAG, KYF₄ and MgAl₂O₄ transparent nanocrystalline ceramics were sintered under high pressure at relatively low temperature. The comparative studies of up-conversion fluorescence of Er³⁺ after direct excitation of Yb³⁺ in different crystalline hosts was performed. The effect of applied sintering pressure on up-conversion intensities in different nanoceramics was observed. The dependence of up-conversion intensity on incident light excitation power was studied. It was found the overall fluorescence characteristics of Er³⁺ (a relative distribution of fluorescence bands (green/red ratio) was dependent on incident light intensity. This dependence could be correlated with the averaged temperature of nanoceramic. It was suggested that such up-conversion nanoceramics could be applied in high temperature thermometry.
Taira, T.	Anisotropic ceramics as a next generation laser	Transparent polycrystalline ceramics for laser applications have been demonstrated to offer tremendous processing and design advantages relative to Czochralski-grown single crystals. After the review of conventional ceramic lasers, we'd like to discuss the next generation of ceramic lasers based on anisotropic ceramics.
Tanabe, S.	Optical properties of transparent GdYAG:Ce ceramics for white LED	Transparent Ce³⁺-doped GdYAG ceramics were fabricated by vacuum sintering of powders prepared by co-precipitation methods. By exciting with a blue LED, the ceramics on top showed excellent luminous efficacy and good color rendering as a white LED. In the photoluminescence spectra, the wavelength shift of the 5d-4f transition of the Ce³⁺ was observed by Gd substitution of Y-site, as well as in the photoluminescence excitation spectra.
Ueda, K. I.	Towards ultra high intensity lasers	To discover high field sciences, ultra-high power solid state lasers, 100 fs, 15 kHz, and 3 MW in average power are required. New concepts proposed for ICFA (International Committee on Future Accelerators) and ICUIL (International Committee of Ultra-high Intensity Lasers)will be discussed in the meeting.
Wei, G.	Optical ceramics for solid state lighting	Solid-state lighting utilizes new optical ceramics such as Ce-doped garnets to either combine emissions from the LED and ceramic for high-brightness white light, or fully convert to pure color. Precision fabrication achieves efficient luminescent ions, host lattices, and favorable absorption and emission.
Weichmann, U.	Ceramic materials for visible solid-state lasers	For consumer applications of lasers, ceramic laser materials play an important role with respect to the integration aspects of the laser setup. In this contribution we will present results from our work on integrated green efficient lasers for projection systems.
Yagi, H.	Transparent ceramics for photonic applications	Since 1980's, we have been developing various transparent ceramics for photonic applications, such as YAG, LuAG, TGG, disordered garnet, sesquioxide etc. These materials are suitable for photonic applications, not only laser gain medium, but also for scintillator , phosper, optical window and so on.This presentation will briefly review the state-of-the-art optical and physical properties of these ceramics.
Zhang, J.	Processing control for fabricating high quality Nd:YAG ceramics	In this research, the effects of stoichiometry ratio, sintering aids, and sintering conditions on microstructure and further the optical quality of the sintered ceramics will be discussed. By optimizing the processing parameters, high optical quality YAG ceramics are fabricated successfully.

Seitenanfang

Sunday, 5^th December
17:00 - 20:00 h	Registration
20:00 h	Informal get-together at the "Tide" bar, Factory Hotel.

Seitenanfang

Monday, 6^th December
07:30 - 11:00 h	Registration
09:00 h	Welcome and general remarks
09:10 h	Kaminski, A. A. (invited) Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Crystallography, Moscow	Where did the fifty-year search for laser crystals and ceramics take us? During half a century history of the laser era the search for laser crystals and ceramics has brought many important results. They have largely determined the development and formation of laser physics. Applications of laser crystals and ceramics are well known. Some of them (mainly with Ln³⁺ lasants) in the report would be given special attention. Unfortunately, the further success of the search and application of laser crystal materials prevented a number of issues that have not been fully resolved over the years. Some of these problems will be considered in the report taking into account modern trends of laser physics and nonlinear optics.
09:35 h	Kawanaka, J. (invited) Osaka University, Japan	High pulse energy and high average power laser by using a composite ceramic Diode-pumped solid-state laser has been developed by using a cryogenic composite ceramic. A novel laser amplifier arrangement of total-reflection active-mirror was proposed for high-pulse-energy and high-average-power simultaneously. The regenerative amplifier was demonstrated and a joule-class multi-pass amplifier is under construction.
10:00 h	Petermann, K. University of Hamburg, Institute of Laser-Physics, Hamburg, Germany	Thin-disk laser properties and photoconductivity of single crystalline and ceramic Yb:YAG A decrease in laser efficiency with inversion density is found for Yb:YAG thin-disk lasers. Ceramic samples seem less affected compared to single crystals. The differences in laser performance of the two material classes are discussed together with photoconductivity results.
10:20 h	Sanghera, J. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, USA	High efficiency lasing using 10% Yb³⁺ doped Lu₂O₃ ceramics We demonstrate lasing at 1080 nm in 10% Yb³⁺ doped Lu₂O₃ transparent ceramics with an output power greater than 8 Watts and a slope efficiency of approximately 60%. We will describe the synthesis and properties of the heavily doped Lu₂O₃ ceramics.
10:40 h	Coffee break
11:10 h	Gaume, R. (invited) Stanford University, Ginzton Laboratory, Stanford, CA, USA	Characterization of absorption losses in YAG laser ceramics We will report on comparative thermalized absorption measurements obtained in various YAG transparent ceramics and single-crystals. Correlations with lattice defects and impurities content will be discussed.
11:35 h	Jacinto, C. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Departamento de Física de los Materiales, Spain	Effect of grain boundaries on the thermo-optical properties of Nd³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂ highly transparent ceramics as a function of temperature The effect of grain boundaries on the thermo-optical properties as a function of low temperature (90-300K) was investigate in Nd:YAG ceramics with grain-size of 2, 10, and 18 µm and compared with the single crystal (all with 1at.% of Nd³⁺).
11:55 h	Grigorjeva, L. University of Latvia, Institute of Solid State Physics, Riga, Latvia	Time-resolved luminescence characteristics of Ce and Nd doped YAG ceramics obtained by high pressure technique Transparent YAG ceramic were prepared by the synthesis under high pressure (up 8 GPa) at relative low temperature (High Pressure Low Temperature - HPLT). The luminescence properties were studied before and after ceramics annealing at different temperatures. A special attention is given to defect nature and defect annealing processes since the defects induced under high pressure greatly reduce the luminescence decay time and ceramic transparency.
12:15 h	Basiev, T. Russian Academy of Sciences, Prokhorov General Physics Institute, Moscow, Russia	Migration-accelerated luminescence quenching in spherical nanoparticles We show that supermigration quenching kinetics in spherical nanoparticles can be adequately described by two stages exponential decay with the maximal rate somewhat lesser than in bulk case, and second, Foerster-like stage proportional to the exponent of square root of time.
12:35 h	Lunch
13:35 h	Weichmann, U. (invited) Philips Technologie GmbH, Germany	Ceramic materials for visible solid-state lasers For consumer applications of lasers, ceramic laser materials play an important role with respect to the integration aspects of the laser setup. In this contribution we will present results from our work on integrated green efficient lasers for projection systems.
14:00 h	Kuretake, S. (invited) Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Japan	Nd³⁺-doped Ba(Zr⁴⁺,Mg²⁺,Ta⁵⁺)O₃ ceramics as laser materials We report transparent Nd³⁺-doped Ba(Zr,Mg,Ta)O₃ (Nd:BZMT) ceramics as laser materials. The results of the structural analyses and the fluorescence properties in Nd:BZMT fabricated by adjusting the BZMT composition in order to substitute Nd dopants at different crystal sites will be reported
14:25 h	Shitov, V. Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Electrophysics, Yekaterinburg, Russia	Transparent Nd:YAG ceramics fabricated by solid-state reaction method Transparent Nd:YAG ceramics was fabricated by solid-state reaction method using high-purity Nd:Y₂O₃ and Al₂O₃ powders fabricated by laser evaporation method. Powders were mixed without additives, uniaxial pressed and sintered under vacuum. The optical transmittance of synthesized ceramic sample (3 mm thick) was 81.35% at 1064 nm.
14:45 h	Coffee break
15:15 h	Boulon, G. (invited) University of Lyon, Physical Chemistry of Luminescent Materials Lab, France	Segregation phenomenon of rare earth dopants in ceramics We analyse segregation phenomenon of Ce³⁺ (first position) and Yb³⁺ (last position) rare earth dopants in grain and grain boundaries of oxide optical ceramics from imaging confocal microscopy and transmission electronic microscopy. Interpretation is related with growth from liquid phase.
15:40 h	Strêk, W. (invited) Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute for Low Temperature and Structure Research, Wroclaw, Poland	Up-conversion phenomena in RE³⁺ doped transparent nanoceramics The double Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ doped YAG, KYF₄ and MgAl₂O₄ transparent nanocrystalline ceramics were sintered under high pressure at relatively low temperature. The comparative studies of up-conversion fluorescence of Er³⁺ after direct excitation of Yb³⁺ in different crystalline hosts was performed. The effect of applied sintering pressure on up-conversion intensities in different nanoceramics was observed. The dependence of up-conversion intensity on incident light excitation power was studied. It was found the overall fluorescence characteristics of Er³⁺ (a relative distribution of fluorescence bands (green/red ratio) was dependent on incident light intensity. This dependence could be correlated with the averaged temperature of nanoceramic. It was suggested that such up-conversion nanoceramics could be applied in high temperature thermometry.
16:05 h	Cardinali, V. CEA-Cesta (Centre d'Etudes Scientifiques et Techniques d'Aquitaine), Barp, France	Thermo-optical measurements of ytterbium doped sesquioxides ceramics Measurements of the key thermo-optical properties (thermal conductivity, thermal expansion coefficient and thermo-optical coefficient dn/dT) of Yb³⁺ in sesquioxides ceramics Y₂O₃, Sc₂O₃, Lu₂O₃ are done at room and cryogenic temperatures. We show that laser performances are improved at low temperatures.
16:25 h	Yagi, H. (invited) Shanghai University, School of Materials Science and Engineering, China	Transparent ceramics for photonic applications Since 1980's, we have been developing various transparent ceramics for photonic applications, such as YAG, LuAG, TGG, disordered garnet, sesquioxide etc. These materials are suitable for photonic applications, not only laser gain medium, but also for scintillator , phosper, optical window and so on.This presentation will briefly review the state-of-the-art optical and physical properties of these ceramics.
16:50 h	End of talks

18:30 h 18:45 h 22:00 h	Conference dinner: Bus departure from the Factory Hotel. Arrival at the historical museum "Mühlenhof". Return by bus to the Factory Hotel.

Tuesday, 7^th December
09:00 h	Tanabe, S. (invited) Kyoto University, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Japan	Optical properties of transparent GdYAG:Ce ceramics for white LEDs Transparent Ce³⁺-doped GdYAG ceramics were fabricated by the vacuum sintering of powders prepared by co-precipitation method. By exciting with a blue LED, the ceramics on top showed excellent luminous efficacy and good color rendering as a white LED. In the PL spectra, the wavelength shift of the 5d-4f transition of the Ce³⁺ was observed by Gd substitution of Y-site, as well as in the PLE spectra.
09:25 h	Jaque, D. (invited) Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Departamento de Física de Materiales, Spain	Microstructuration techniques for the development of minituarized Nd:YAG ceramic lasers The last developments achieved in the micro-structuration of Nd:YAG ceramic lasers for their incorporation in active photonic devices will be discussed. We will pay special attention to the fundamentals of the different techniques used up to now.
09:50 h	Ishizawa, H. Nikon Corporation, Materials & Advanced Research Laboratory, Kanagawa-ken, Japan	Preparation of YAG:Ce-dispersed transparent CaF₂ ceramics and application to white LEDs We have developed transparent CaF₂ ceramics. In this study, YAG:Ce-dispersed CaF₂ ceramic phosphors were prepared for white LEDs. The characteristics and optical properties of the ceramics will be reported.
10:10 h	Lyberis, A. Chimie ParisTech, Laboratoire de Chimie de la Matière Condense de Paris, France	New development in ytterbium doped CaF₂ transparent ceramics for high power lasers We are working on ytterbium doped calcium fluoride transparent ceramics elaborated from nanopowders synthesized through a soft chemistry route. An optical loss study shows both the existence of inhomogeneities at grain boundaries such as dopant segregation, and of ytterbium clusters.
10:30 h	Coffee break
11:00 h	Menke, Y. (invited) SCHOTT AG, Mainz, Germany	Transparent ceramics for optical and fluorescence applications In this paper new developments in the fabrication of high refractive index materials with cubic crystal structure as possible matrix material for rare-earth activated compounds are described. Related applications in both optical and fluorescence application fields are illustrated.
11:25 h	Taira, T. (invited) Institute for Molecular Science, Laser Research Center, Okazaki, Japan	Anisotropic ceramics as a next generation laser Transparent polycrystalline ceramics for laser applications have been demonstrated to offer tremendous processing and design advantages relative to Czochralski-grown single crystals. After the review of conventional ceramic lasers, we'd like to discuss the next generation of ceramic lasers based on the anisotropic ceramics.
11:50 h	Doroshenko, M. E. Russian Academy of Sciences, Prokhorov General Physics Institute, Moscow, Russia	Spectroscopic and oscillation properties of Nd³⁺ ions in newly developed SrF₂ laser ceramics SrF₂ laser ceramics were developed using hot pressing technique. Oscillation spectrum of Nd³⁺ ions in SrF₂ ceramics was found to change with laser diode pumping wavelength. Laser oscillations of Nd³⁺ ions in SrF₂ ceramics under laser diode pumping for different pumping geometries were obtained with slope efficiency up to 19%.
12:10 h	Zelechower, M. Silesian University of Technology, Department of Materials Science, Katowice, Poland	The microstructure of erbium-ytterbium co-doped oxyfluoride glass-ceramic optical fibers Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ co-doped oxyfluoride glass-ceramic fibers have been obtained by controlled crystallization of the glass fibers. Glasses of the following composition 48SiO₂-11Al₂O₃-7Na₂CO₃-10CaO-10PbO-10PbF₂-3YbF₃-1ErF₃ were fabricated from high purity commercial chemicals. The fabricated glass preforms were drawn into glass fibers. The transparent oxyfluoride glass-ceramic fibers were obtained by heat treatment of glass fibers. High-resolution electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) allowed to demonstrate their mixed amorphous-crystalline microstructure and nano-crystals of size even below 10 nm have been identified as Er₃FO₁₀Si₃, Pb₅Al₃F₁₉, and Er₄F₂O₁₁Si₃.
12:30 h	Lunch
13:30 h	POSTER Session	Drinks will be served during the session
	Dierkes, T. Münster University of Applied Sciences, Department of Chemical Engineering, Steinfurt, Germany	Transparent LuAG:Nd ceramics as alternative laser gain media The continuous rise to prominence of optically transparent ceramics is mainly due to their many advantages in comparison to single crystals. In this study the garnet system Lu₃Al₅O₁₂ (LuAG) was examined and it was tried to obtain transparent ceramics with minimized scattering at grain boundaries and cavities thus with a high theoretical density (>99.9%).
	Herden, B. Münster University of Applied Sciences, Department of Chemical Engineering, Steinfurt, Germany	On the host lattice LiYF₄ doped by trivalent praseodymium as a transparent ceramic laser material The study deals with the synthesis of LiYF₄-based laser ceramics, doped by Praseodymium, as converter materials for blue lasers. Different preparation methods were reviewed to obtain ceramics with densities close to the theoretical value. Achieved translucent ceramics were characterised by optical spectroscopy.
	Katelnikovas, A. Münster University of Applied Sciences, Department of Chemical Engineering, Steinfurt, Germany	On the correlation between the composition of garnet type materials and their photoluminescence properties In the present study, the luminescent properties of rare earth ion doped garnet type host lattices are discussed as a function of their composition and thus the chemical details of the crystal structure. The results will be summarized and correlated to the crystal field strength and centroid shift governing the position of the crystal-field components of the excited state configuration of the activators Ce³⁺, Pr³⁺, and Nd³⁺.
	Micior, J. Münster University of Applied Sciences, Department of Chemical Engineering, Steinfurt, Germany	Electrophoretic deposition of cylindrical bodies from nano-alumina dispersions Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is mostly used for the fabrication of ceramic green layers. Here we present a method to fabricate dense cylindrical green bodies on stainless-steel electrodes using a removable plastic form. After defining the optimal electrophoretic conditions (methods of particle charging, stabilization of colloids in aqueous media, pulsed DC to obtain bubble-free deposits) nano-alumina dispersions were deposited. The results confirm that uniform and dense green bodies can be prepared from commercial Al₂O₃ powder.
	Micior, J. Münster University of Applied Sciences, Department of Chemical Engineering, Steinfurt, Germany	Electrophoretic deposition of nano-yttria and nano-YAG Electrophoretic deposition is a colloidal process in which ceramic particles, suspensed in a liquid medium, migrate in an electric field and deposit on an electrode. Here, we report on the optimization of the colloidal suspensions of commercially available nano-Y₂O₃ and successfully fabricated nano-Y₃Al₅O₁₂ , in view of deposition of dense green bodies of these laser materials. Cylindrical green bodies were prepared in order to assess the feasibility of the method.
	Möller, S. Münster University of Applied Sciences, Department of Chemical Engineering, Steinfurt, Germany	Ce³⁺ sensitized Nd³⁺ emission in garnet type structures We will discuss influences of changes in the crystal field on the energy transfer from Ce³⁺ to Nd³⁺ and thus on the luminescence properties of Nd³⁺ incorporated in garnets co-doped with Ce³⁺.
	Plewa, J. Münster University of Applied Sciences, Tailored Optical Materials, Steinfurt, Germany	On translucent LuAG:Pr ceramics LuAG:Pr is a well known luminescent material for application as scintillators. Translucent ceramics of LuAG:Pr have been prepared and characterized. Strong absorption in the VUV range, emission at around 310 nm (λ_ex=160 nm), and a decay time of 20 ns have been measured.
	Plonska, M. University of Silesia, Faculty of Computer and Materials Science	Neodymium-doped 8/65/35 PLZT ceramics for photonic applications, obtained by different sintering methods Optical properties of Nd³⁺ ions in several host matrices such as glasses and transparent glass-ceramics depends on chemical composition, heat treatment conditions and preparation methods. In this work the influence of neodymium concentration (0-1at.%) and sintering conditions on 8/65/35 PLZT:Nd³⁺ ceramics were studied. All ceramic powders were synthesized by MOM technique and subsequently sintered by free sintering and hot uniaxial pressing method. Optimal conditions of PLZT:Nd3+ preparation as well as activator concentration were determined in relation to photonic applications.
	Tang, D. Nanyang Technological University, School of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Singapore	Diode-pumped intracavity KTP frequency-doubled Nd:YAG ceramic laser The characteristics of a diode-pumped Nd:YAG ceramic laser and a KTP frequency doubled Nd:YAG ceramic laser are studied. At an incident pump power of 21.95 W, a 11.46 W 1064 nm CW laser is obtained with a 52.2% optical to optical conversion efficiency. By using a KTP crystal intracavity frequency doubling the Nd:YAG ceramic laser, a 3.6 W 532 nm laser is generated with an 21.95 W incident pump power. The corresponding conversion efficiency from diode laser to green laser is 16.4%.
	Tofail, S. Materials and Surface Science Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland	Tuneable transparency in hydroxyapatite by varying sintering parameters and Strontium-doping We demonstrate tuneable optical transparency in hydroxyapatite by varying sintering parameters and Strontium doping. This tuneable optical transparency along with its novel electrical properties can open up a number of important optical, opto-electrical and laser applications, additionally to its conventional bio-applications.
	Vorsthove, M. Münster University of Applied Sciences, Department of Chemical Engineering, Steinfurt, Germany	Peculiarities of nano-YAG synthesized by a glycothermal method YAG-nanoparticles, synthesized via the so called glycothermal method, were examined by size, optical properties and with solid state NMR-Techniques. Special attention was paid to the particle surface and the stability of the emission under irradiation.
	Vorsthove, M. Münster University of Applied Sciences, Department of Chemical Engineering, Steinfurt, Germany	Direct comparison of preparative methods for nano-YAG particles and derived ceramics We compared Europium and Cerium doped YAG-nanoparticles and ceramics on the basis of SEM, BET, XRD and optical measurements. The precursors were synthesized via glycothermal synthesis, reverse and urea precipitation, spray drying and the Pechini and citrate methode.
	Wiglusz, Rafal J. Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, Wroclaw, Poland	Luminescence properties of MgAl₂O₄ nanoceramics doped with Eu³⁺ prepared by a high pressure sintering technique: effect of grain size and strains. Eu³⁺:MgAl₂O₄ and Na⁺,Eu³⁺:MgAl₂O₄ nanoceramics have been obtained by a low temperature/high pressure sintering process (LTHP). The structural properties have been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The grain sizes and R.M.S micro-strains have been calculated by Rietveld method based on the XRD patterns. The photoluminescent properties of nanoceramics were investigated by excitation and emission spectroscopy at room and low temperature (77 K). The f-f transitions characteristic for Eu³⁺ ion were observed and emission lifetimes were measured. The Judd-Ofelt theory has been performed to explain a detailed analysis of luminescence spectra.
	Yang, H. Nanjing University of Technology, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing, P.R China	The effect of MgO and SiO₂ codoping on properties of Nd:YAG transparent ceramic High quality Nd:YAG transparent ceramics were fabricated by reactive sintering method under vacuum using both SiO₂ and MgO as compound sintering aids. The transmittance of the ceramic was still 82% at 400nm.
	Zhang, J. Nanyang Technological University, Singapore	A fabrication process for Yb:YAG Ceramic and its lasing property Vacuum reactive sintering method was employed to fabricate laser quality transparent Ytterbium doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Yb:YAG) polycrystalline ceramics. An uncoated 10 at.% Yb:YAG ceramic was pumped by a 940 nm diode laser. Under a maximum incident power of 11.79 W, 1.65 W output power was produced at a wavelength of 1030 nm, which corresponds to a 19.6 % slope efficiency.
	Zhang, J. Nanyang Technological University, Singapore	Fabrication and properties of highly transparent Er: YAG ceramics Highly transparent Er: YAG ceramics with different doping concentration were fabricated by a solid-state reactive sintering method using commercial Al₂O₃, Y₂O₃ and Er₂O₃ powder as starting materials. For 3 mm thickness samples, the in-line transmittances at the wavelength of 1100 nm and 400 nm were about 84% and 82% respectively.
	End of POSTER Session
15:00 h	Shimony, Y. (invited) Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Department of Materials Engineering, Beer-Sheva, Israel	Strength and strengthening of polycrystalline (ceramic) laser components Crystalline laser components may fracture under high thermally induced stress. In the present paper, ways to evaluate the tensile strength σ_f of crystalline and poly-crystalline laser components will be discussed, as well as paths to enhance its strength.
15:25 h	Khazanov, E. (invited) Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Applied Physics, Novgorod, Russia	Specificity of thermal effects in laser ceramics as compared to single crystals: theory and experiments We review theoretical predictions and experimental confirmations of strong statistical dispersion of thermal lensing and thermally induced depolarization in ceramics. This effect is specific to ceramics and has no analogues either in glasses or in single crystals.
15:50 h	Kravchenko, V. B. Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics named after V .A. Kotelnikov, Fryazino, Russia	Simple method to join YAG ceramics and crystals Method to join samples of YAG ceramics and crystals with flat polished surfaces together with no visible border between the samples includes deposition of SiO₂ layer(s) on the surfaces to be joined and heating the joined samples above 1700°C.
16:10 h	End of talks

	Two alternative cultural programmes: I. Guided tour of the Museum für Lackkunst (Museum for Lacquer Art). II. "Münster across" - a guided foot trip through the historical town.
16:45 h	For both tours: Public bus departure at bus stop "Jahnstraße" (in front of the Factory Hotel). You will be guided in the bus. Please do not forget your Welcome Ticket which will be provided to you together with all conference documents. We take the line no. 6, direction "Münster Hiltrup Bahnhof" and go off at the main train station "Hauptbahnhof". Travel time is 17 minutes.
19:00 h	End

Wednesday, 8^th December
09:00 h	Dong, J. (invited) Xiamen University, Department of Electronic Engineering, P. R. China	Comparative investigation of cw and Q-switched laser characteristics of Yb:YAG ceramics and crystals CW and Q-switched laser performance of Yb:YAG ceramics and single-crystals was investigated systematically. The effects of Yb concentration, the output coupling and different combinations of Yb:YAG, Cr, Ca:YAG crystals and ceramics on the cw and passively Q-switched laser characteristics were addressed.
09:25 h	Ueda, K.I. (invited) University of Electro-Communications, Institute for Laser Science, Japan	Towards ultra high intensity lasers To discover high-field sciences, ultra-high power solid state lasers, 100 fs, 15 kHz, and 3 MW in average power are required. New concepts proposed for ICFA (International Committee on Future Accelerators) and ICUIL (International Committee of Ultra-high Intensity Lasers) will be discussed in the meeting.
09:50 h	Serantoni, M. ISTEC-CNR, Istituto di Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali Ceramici, Faenza (RA), Italy	Improvements in the processing of Yb:YAG ceramic materials This study focuses on the optimization of the powder processing of Yb:YAG ceramics. An innovative spray drying process of solvent-based suspensions is adopted for the preparation of ready-to-press powders. The influence of the experimental conditions on morphology of granulated powders, on microstructure evolution during sintering and transparency, is described.
10:10 h	Zhang, J. (invited) Nanyang Technological University, Temasek Laboratories, Singapore	Processing control for fabricating high quality Nd:YAG ceramics In this research, the effects of stoichiometry ratio, sintering aids, and sintering conditions on microstructure and further the optical quality of the sintered ceramics will be discussed. By optimizing the processing parameters, high optical quality YAG ceramics are fabricated successfully.
10:35 h	Coffee break
11:05 h	Ivanov, M. Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Electrophysics, Ekaterinburg, Russia	Growth of optical grade yttrium oxide single crystal via ceramic technology The presentation deals with growth of Nd³⁺:Y₂O₃ (NDY) single crystal via ceramic process. Samples of NDY single crystal were produced. Defects formed in the samples were investigated. Conditions that are necessary for abnormal grain growth in yttrium oxide as well to grow the optical grade single crystal are discussed.
11:25 h	Wei, G. (invited) Osram Sylvania, Beverley, MA, USA	Optical ceramics for solid state lighting Solid-state lighting utilizes new optical ceramics such as Ce-doped garnets to either combine emissions from the LED and ceramic for high-brightness white light or fully convert to pure color. Precision fabrication achieves efficient luminescent ions, host lattice, and favorable absorption/emission.
11:50 h	Werner, J. Research Institute for Inorganic Materials - Glass/Ceramics GmbH, Hoehr-Grenzhausen, Germany	The influence of anions during micro-jet-reactor precipitation of YAG-powders on powder properties and resulting microstructure Nano-scaled YAG-precursor powder with high chemical purity is produced by Micro-Jet-Reactor precipitation technique. The influence of the anion component during precipitation on powder properties is clarified and the resulting microstructure of the vacuum sintered and hot isostatic pressed ceramics is described.
12:10 h	Tang, D. Nanyang Technological University, Singapore	Presentation: The LCS 2011 in Singapore
12:30 h	Lunch
13:30 h	Li, J. Chinese Academy of Sciences, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Beijing, P. R. China	Fabrication of transparent nanoceramics through controlled amorphous crystallization Transparent LaAlO₃/ZrO₂ and YAG/HfO₂ composite nanoceramics have been prepared through viscous sintering and controlled crystallization. By this method, the densification can be separated from grain growth and thus nanoceramics can be produced.
13:50 h	Tofail, S. A. M. University of Limerick, Materials and Surface Science Institute, Ireland	Transparent hydroxyapatite ceramics with piezo and pyroelectricity We report high level of optical transparency and significant piezo and pyroelectric effect on spark plasma sintered hydroxyapatite ceramics as well as their mass production technique. These new properties in hydroxyapatite can open up important bio-optic applications of hydroxyapatite in addition to its conventional applications.
14:10 h	Kong, Hong Jin (invited) Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, R. o. Korea	Phase controlled stimulated Brillouin scattering phase conjugate mirror and its application to a coherent four-beam combination Coherent four-beam combination using the self-phase controlled stimulated Brillouin scattering phase conjugate mirror is constructed. With the wavefront dividing method and the amplitude dividing method, the phase fluctuations between the SBS beams are well-stabilized when the amplifiers are operating.
14:35 h	Hagenhoff, B. Tascon GmbH, Münster, Germany	Characterisation of optical components by means of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry For development or failure analysis of optical materials a sensitive analytical technique is required. We will show that ToF-SIMS (Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) is a well suited screening tool for chemical characterization directly at the solid surface, in deeper layers and in a complete 3-dimensional volume.
14:55 h	Coffee break and closing remarks

Thursday, 9^th December
09:30 h	Visit of research laboratories at Muenster University of Applied Sciences in Steinfurt (33 km from Münster).