1.06 μm laser absorption properties of Sm₂O₂S prepared by flux method

Laser stealth absorption material Sm₂O₂S was successfully synthesized by a solid state flux fusion method. The phase composition, morphology and optical property were investigated by X-ray diffraction with Rietveld structure refinement, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry–differential scanning calorimetry and ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer. The results showed that Li₂CO₃/Na₂CO₃ composites were the optimal flux for the crystal formation. Na₂CO₃ plays an important role during the reaction. With the increase of temperature, crystal structure became regular. The hexagonal shape powders could be achieved above 1100 °C. Furthermore, the as-prepared Sm₂O₂S powder had an intense absorption around 1.06 μm, causing by electron transitions from ground state ⁶H_5/2 to excited state ⁶F_9/2. The study indicated that Sm₂O₂S can be a promising 1.06 μm laser absorption material.