Method and apparatus for sintering flat ceramics

A method of sintering a ceramic to produce a sintered ceramic plate, comprising:

• heating a ceramic precursor material between a first mesh and a second mesh;
• wherein at least a first portion of the ceramic precursor material contacts the first mesh and at least a second portion of the ceramic precursor material contacts the second mesh during heating,
• thereby producing a sintered ceramic plate;
• wherein either or both of the first mesh and the second mesh comprise a heat conductive material;
• wherein the ceramic is a translucent phosphor;
• wherein the number of contact points between the first mesh and the ceramic precursor is greater than about 500 per square inch;
• and
• wherein the number of contact points between the second mesh and the ceramic precurser is greater than about 500 per square inch.