Abstract: A method of forming a phosphor composition is disclosed. The method includes mixing co-precipitated yttrium-europium oxalate with an inorganic flux material to form an oxalate-flux mixture; and heating the oxalate-flux mixture at a temperature in a range from about 800° C. to about 1400° C., to form the phosphor composition. The phosphor has a general formula of (Y1-x-yAyEux)2O3 with 0<x<1 and 0?y<1, wherein A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of gadolinium, lutetium, lanthanum, scandium and terbium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for placing solder balls 201 on electronic pads 1204 on a substrate 1202, such as for a ball grid array (BGA) applicator 10. The solder balls 201 are held to openings 102 in a foil 22 such as by vacuum force 1607 applied to the solder balls 201 through the openings 102 in a foil 22. After locating the solder balls 201 at electronic pads 1204 on a substrate 1202, by deactivating the vacuum force 1607 and optionally applying a release force 1703 the solder balls 201 are released and placed on the electronic pads 1204. Optionally, a release mechanism 2400 applies placing force 2600 to the solder balls 201 through the openings 2404 in the foil 2403.

Abstract: A convection muffle furnace for brazing and/or annealing a workpiece includes a muffle having towers formed integrally therewith and being mounted movable relative to a top wall of a furnace. Circulation fans are mounted in the towers so as to move along with the muffle during its expansion and contraction for producing forced convection heat transfer.