LASER HEARTH MELT PROCESSING OF CERAMIC MATERIALS

A new technique for synthesizing small batches of oxide-based ceramic and glass materials from high purity powders is described. The method uses continuous wave CO2 laser beam heating of material held on a wate r-cooled copper hearth. Contamination which would normally result duri ng crucible melting is eliminated. Details of the technique are presen ted, and its operation and use art: illustrated by results obtained in melting experiments with a-aluminum oxide, Y-Ba-Cu-O superconductor m aterial, and the mixtures, Al2O3-SiO2, Bi2O3-B2O3, Bi2O3-CuO. Specimen masses were 0.05-1.5 g. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.