Transparent ceramics have been prepared with compositions $[(Sr_{0.75}Ba_{0.25})_{5-7.5x}La_{5x}]Nb_{10}O_{30}$, abbreviated as SBLN.
These SBLN ceramics are prepared by the mixed oxide method. They were sintered under oxygen atmosphere for 5 hours at optimum temperatures.
Light transmission measurements in the visible and infrared range show that these materials are transparent from the absorption edge of $0.38 μm to $\simeq$ 6 μm. The highest transmission values, for composition x = 0.10 or more, were 68% (reflection losses of both surface being ∼ 27%) at 5 μm for 310 μm thick polished plates and the transmittance increases gradually with the lanthana content.
The grain size and curie temperature decrease with the increasing lanthana content.
Other properties were also investigated.