Abstract: A process for selecting an additive and/or solvent for a colloidal ceramic suspension includes measuring spin lattice T1 relaxation times by nuclear magnetic resonance for a ceramic-solvent pair and an additive-solvent pair, wherein the solvent is selected from a plurality of different solvents, and wherein the additive is selected from a plurality of different additives. The process includes determining a relaxation number for each of the ceramic-solvent pairs and the additive-solvent pairs from the spin lattice T1 relaxation times, wherein a higher relaxation number is indicative of strong affinity between the additive and solvent and between the ceramic and solvent. Additionally, the process includes selecting the additive and the solvent based on the relaxation number having the highest relaxation number for the colloidal ceramic suspension.

Abstract: The invention relates to rare-earth-doped ternary sulfides. The rare-earth-doped ternary sulfides may be used as an active material for mid-wave infrared and long-wave infrared lasers and amplifiers. Methods for producing laser materials including rare-earth-doped ternary sulfides, as well as lasers and amplifiers incorporating the laser materials, are also provided.