A new method for calculating the residual porosity of transparent materials

To quantify residual porosity of the materials is important when analyzing their microstructure and functional performance. The problem becomes particularly urgent for functional (optical, laser) materials. A common way to solve it is to calculate the quantity and size of pores on the sample's cross-section. However, authors do not pay special attention to experimental data processing. Present work studies pore size distribution in 1–4 at% Nd3+:YAG transparent ceramics using experimental measurements of pore sizes determined from the cross-section. Suggested method enables one to evaluate residual porosity correctly. [Display omitted] •A new method for calculating the residual porosity has been suggested.•Original results were comparing with other known approaches.•As a model system, 1–4 at% Nd3+:YAG transparent ceramics were used.•3D models of pore distribution in the ceramic's bulk have been built.•Residual porosity values from 0.0009 to 0.0112 vol% have been determined.