Abstract: Ceramic welding methods and welded articles are disclosed. The present disclosure shows that transparent and diffuse ceramics can be successfully joined using lasers. The diffuse ceramic welding can be aided by introducing a small gap for optical penetration while no gap is necessary in the transparent ceramics case. Laser welding is more versatile on transparent ceramics since one can focus through the material allowing the joining of more complex geometries and over multiple interaction zones, increasing the ultimate weld volumes.

Abstract: A laser apparatus and a polycrystalline material are described. The apparatus includes the polycrystalline material which is configured to receive pumping light at a pump wavelength and to produce an optical gain for laser oscillation at a laser wavelength different from the pump wavelength. The polycrystalline material includes a ceramic material with a predetermined grain size. The polycrystalline material further includes a rare earth dopant with a predetermined concentration, wherein the predetermined grain size and the predetermined concentration cause the polycrystalline material to exhibit the optical gain at the laser wavelength.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for optically transparent cranial implants, and methods of use thereof. In addition, the disclosure provides methods of manufacture for producing, processing, and modifying optically transparent cranial implants.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for writing or introducing waveguide-like structures in transparent polycrystalline ceramics using femtosecond laser pulses. The disclosure further provides for tuning the demarcation of the waveguide-like structures by varying the number of incident pulses per unit area.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for writing or introducing waveguide-like structures in transparent polycrystalline ceramics using femtosecond laser pulses. The disclosure further provides for tuning the demarcation of the waveguide-like structures by varying the number of incident pulses per unit area.

Abstract: Rare earth magneto-optical nanocrystalline oxides provide a material that is transparent in the visible range and has a high magnetic response to external magnetic fields. The material can be manufactured using current activated pressure assisted densification (CAPAD). The result is a rare earth magneto-optical nanocrystalline oxide having an average grain size of less than about 100 nm and a Verdet constant greater than or equal to about 300 rad T?1 m?1 for light having a wavelength of about 632.8 nm.

Abstract: Rare earth magneto-optical nanocrystalline oxides provide a material that is transparent in the visible range and has a high magnetic response to external magnetic fields. The material can be manufactured using current activated pressure assisted densification (CAPAD). The result is a rare earth magneto-optical nanocrystalline oxide having an average grain size of less than about 100 nm and a Verdet constant greater than or equal to about 300 rad T?1 m?1 for light having a wavelength of about 632.8 nm.

Abstract: A method for preparing highly dense functional oxides with crystallite size in the range of 10-20 nm. Using a high pressure modification of a the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) technique, rapid thermal cycles (<10 min) coupled with very rapid pressure increase up to 1 GPa can be obtained allowing high degree of compaction and very limited grain growth. This combination of techniques was employed to produce the finest-grained ceramics ever prepared in bulk form in the case of fully stabilized zirconia and Sm-doped Ceria.

Abstract: A method for preparing highly dense functional oxides with crystallite size in the range of 10-20 nm. Using a high pressure modification of a the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) technique, rapid thermal cycles (<10 min) coupled with very rapid pressure increase up to 1 GPa can be obtained allowing high degree of compaction and very limited grain growth. This combination of techniques was employed to produce the finest-grained ceramics ever prepared in bulk form in the case of fully stabilized zirconia and Sm-doped Ceria.