Magneto-optical characteristics of holmium oxide (Ho2O3) ceramics

Transparent Ho2O3 ceramics are fabricated and their magneto-optical characteristics are reported for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The value of the Verdet constant was measured in the 560-1064 nm wavelength range, and the value at 1064 nm is 46.3 rad/Tm. This corresponds to the Verdet constant for terbium aluminum garnet (TAG), which is similar to 1.3 times higher than that of terbium gallium garnet (TGG). The in-line transmittance at 1 mu m wavelength is only similar to 60%, but the optical properties can be further improved by optimizing sintering conditions. This is a new potential magneto-optic material that can be applicable for high-average-power lasers. (C) 2017 Optical Society of America