Laser synthesis of ruby for photo-conversion of solar spectrum

Abstract

Ruby grains are synthesized by laser heating of the dry mixture of Al${}_2$O${}_3$ and Cr${}_2$O${}_3$. Quasi-continuous radiation of a Nd:YAG laser was used for this purpose with average power of 15 W. Synthesized ruby grains demonstrate strong photo-luminescence in the vicinity of 700 nm. Synthesized ruby grains were integrated into a matrix made of flouro-polymer. Luminescene map acquired with the help of a photo-fluorimeter confirms efficient photo-conversion of green-blue radiation of the synthesize ruby into red region. Ruby grans can further be fragmented to smaller particles using the technique of laser fragmentation in liquids.