Homogeneous multicomponent indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) ceramics for transparent electrode targets are prepared from the oxides and nitrates as the source materials, and their properties are characterized. The selected compositions were In2O3:Ga2O3:ZnO = 1:1:2, 1:1:6, and 1:1:12 in mole ratio based on oxide. As revealed by X-ray diffraction analysis, calcination of the selected oxide or nitrides at 1200oC results in the formation of InGaZnO4, InGaZn3O6, and InGaZn5O8 phases. The 1:1:2, 1:1:6, and 1:1:12 oxide samples pressed in the form of discs exhibit relative densities of 96.9, 93.2, and 84.1%, respectively, after sintering at 1450oC for 12 h. The InGaZn3O6 ceramics prepared from the oxide or nitrate batches comprise large grains and exhibit homogeneous elemental distribution. Under optimized conditions, IGZO multicomponent ceramics with controlled phases, high densities, and homogeneous microstructures (grain and elemental distribution) are obtained.

Visible and IR windows require a combination of high optical transparency and superior thermal and mechanical properties. Materials, fabrication and characterization of transparent ceramics for visible/IR windows are discussed in this review. The transparent polycrystalline Y2O3, Y2O3-MgO nanocomposites and MgAl2O4 spinel ceramics are fabricated by advanced ceramic processing and the use of special sintering technologies. Ceramic processing conditions for achieveing fully densified transparent ceramics are strongly dependent on the initial powder characteristics. In addition, appropriate use of sintering technologies, including vacuum sintering, hot-pressing and spark plasama sintering methods, results in outstanding thermal and mechanical properties as well as high optical transparency of the final products. Specifically, the elimination of light scattering factors, including residual pores, second phases and grain boundaries, is a key technique for improving the characteristics of the transparent ceramics. This paper discusses the current research issues related to synthesis methods and sintering processes for yttria-based transparent ceramics and MgAl2O4 spinel.