Abstract: A composition of matter having an atomic density between that of pure diamond and at least 0.18 g-atoms per cubic centimeter and the formula:C.sub.1-z-w Si.sub.z A.sub.w ?H.sub.1-x F.sub.x !.sub.ywhere: 0.ltoreq.z+w.ltoreq.0.15, 0.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.0.05, 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.10, 0<y<1.5, and, A is boron or oxygen. Variation of the constituents and the parameters of production of the compositions in self-biasing RF cavities, or primary or secondary ion beam methods, allows formation of films of, for example, desired hardness, lubricity, density, electrical conductivity, permeability, adhesion and stress. Variation of the properties allows production of films formed by the composition as a function of depth.

Abstract: Devices using a transparent conductive layer of indium oxide or indium tin oxide, and a layer of a direct gap semiconductor material have been found to operate as solar cells and as light emitting devices. Exemplary of such devices is an indium tin oxide/p-InP cell which shows a 12.5% solar power conversion efficiency and also emits a red colored light when biased.

Abstract: An electron source using a single lanthanum hexaboride crystal oriented so the emitting surface is defined by a {110} crystal plane.

Abstract: As a cryogenic refrigerant in an adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator, the intermetallic compound PrNi.sub.5 has been used to reach the millidegree Kelvin temperature range. The compound has a relatively large cooling entropy in this range and the specific heat peak, characteristic of materials of this class, occurs well below one millidegree. The material is easily solderable and is incorporated into a "cooling pill" by soldering to the metal wires or foils needed for producing thermal contact to the material to be refrigerated. The use of oriented crystals with their hexagonal axes perpendicular to the applied magnetic field is particularly advantageous. Suitable single phase PrNi.sub.5 bodies have been produced by annealing bulk melted samples, by Czochralski growth and by an extrusion method.

Abstract: Glass fiber optical-waveguides consisting of a metal oxide-silicate glass core and silica cladding are produced according to the invention by means of a metal evaporation technique. An evacuated fused silica tube containing an evaporated metal deposit is heated to temperatures sufficient to form a uniform metal silicide layer on its inner surface. This layer is then oxidized and reacted with the silica tubing at elevated temperatures to form a metal oxide-silica glass layer. The tube is then collapsed to give a solid rod preform with a metal oxide-silica glass core. Fibers drawn from such preforms exhibit a graded refractive index profile and low loss. The details of the fabrication technique are described, and a representative loss spectrum is presented.