L.E. Shea, J.M. McKittrick, O.A. Lopez, and E. Sluzky, "Effect of Processing Parameters on Luminescence of Combustion-Synthesized, Rare Earth Activated Y₃Al₅O₁₂ Phosphors," Ceramic Transactions, 67 (1996) 105-108.

A novel ceramic synthesis technique, combustion synthesis, was explored to produce Y₃Al₅O₁₂ (YAG) phosphors with improved physical and luminescent properties. The rare-earth ions Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺, and Tm³⁺ were used as activators for red, green, and blue emission, respectively. The combustion synthesis technique involves the reaction of metal nitrates (oxidizers) and an organic fuel at 500°C. Resulting powders are well-crystallized, with small particle size. Luminous intensity was observed using photoluminescence measurements. The effects of processing parameters such as type of fuel, ignition temperature, and an activator concentration were studied. Particle sizes were found to range from 0.4 to 3 micrometers, depending upon the processing parameters.