Structure of liquid Y3Al5O12 (YAG)

The total structure factor S(Q) and the radial distribution function G(r) o f liquid Y3Al5O12 (YAG) were measured at 1770-2230 K by x-ray scattering fr om samples under containerless conditions in Ar and O-2. Nominal coordinati on numbers are 4 for Al3+ and 6 for Y3+ ions. The G(r) has peaks at r appro ximate to 1.8 Angstrom for Al-O, r approximate to 2.25 Angstrom for Y-O, an d r approximate to 3.3-3.6 Angstrom assigned to metal ions in adjacent AlO4 5 and YO69 polyhedral ions. Relative to the pure oxides, G(r) for molten YA G has smaller half-widths for the Al-O and Y-O peaks, and an increased sens itivity to temperature and the ambient gas composition.