Synthesis and processing of transparent polycrystalline doped yttrium aluminum garnet: a review

Neutron flux measurement has a critical role in reactor safety. A potential novel sensor development is through the use of fissionable and fissile isotopes doped into yttrium aluminum garnets (e.g. U:YAG). To develop this sensor, the material must be fabricated to allow for the emission of photons upon excitation. Due to the complex processes required for the fabrication, a review that is focused on solid-state reaction, co-precipitation, and pressureless sintering is provided. This review aims at revealing the relationship between processing parameters and their effects on resultant microstructure and light transmittance to yield the optimal processing for the material. IMPACT STATEMENT The paper is significant at providing insights on the fabrication of transparent polycrystalline doped YAG and accelerate the development of the advanced neutron flux sensor.