Synthesis and nonlinear optical characterization of nanocrystalline[gamma]-alumina produced by in-flight thermal plasma route

Using a plasma spray torch, nanocrystalline [gamma]-alumina powder has been synthesized in a reactor through oxidation of micron-size aluminum metal powder by in-flight thermal plasma processing. The synthesized particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM). The particle size was in the range of ~7 to ~56 nm and spherical in shape. Furthermore the nonlinear refractive and absorptive indices of the sample under various intensities using Z-scan and moiré deflectometry techniques by a CW He-Ne laser at 632.8 nm wavelength were measured. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]