Preparation and dielectric properties of Al2O3-based ceramic composites with Sm2O3 and ZrO2 additives for terahertz applications

As Terahertz (THz) electromagnetic waves become significant for industrial applications, the choice and electrical characterization of materials play important roles in improving system efficiency. Due to their unique properties, ceramics have recently become increasingly explored for THz applications. To this end, the samples of Al2O3-based ceramic composites with Sm2O3 and ZrO2 additives are prepared. The prepared ceramic composites are characterized utilizing THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS), a powerful analytical technique employing THz radiation. First, the impact of sintering temperature on the dielectric properties of the pure Al2O3 is examined. Thus, the sintering temperature is set at 1550 degrees C to fabricate the other composites. Moreover, the impact of ZrO2, Sm2O3 and ZrO2-Sm2O3 additives on the dielectric properties of Al2O3-based ceramic composites is examined. In this context, the refractive index, permittivity, absorption coefficient and loss tangent of Al2O3based ceramic composites are studied. Accordingly, it is observed that the dielectric constant and refractive indices of composites containing ZrO2, Sm2O3 and ZrO2-Sm2O3 additives increase compared to the pure-Al2O3. Moreover, while the loss tangent decreases with Sm2O3 additives, ZrO2, and ZrO2-Sm2O3 additives cause a rise in the loss tangent. The presented results enable us not only to choose the proper composite but also to enhance the dielectric properties of Al2O3-based ceramics. Consequently, they pave the way for the use of Al2O3-based ceramic composites with Sm2O3 and ZrO2 additives in a wide range of THz applications.