Abstract: Materials of composition La.sub.v X.sub.w M.sub.y Mn.sub.z O.sub.x, with x selected from Mg, Sc, Al, Zn, Cd, In and the rare earths that have an ionic radius smaller than that of La, with M selected from Ca, Sr, Ba and Pb, and with v, w, y, z and x in the ranges 0.45-0.85, 0.01-0.20, 0.20-0.45, 0.7-1.3 and 2.5-3.5, respectively, can have substantially improved magnetoresistance (MR) ratios, as compared to the corresponding X-free comparison material. In particular, the novel materials in polycrystalline (or non-epitaxial thin film) form can have relatively large MR ratios. For instance, polycrystalline La.sub.0.60 Y.sub.0.07 Ca.sub.0.33 MnO.sub.x had a peak MR ratio in excess of 10,000% (in absolute value) in a field of 6 T.

Abstract: This invention is predicated upon applicants' discovery that conventional techniques for minimizing metal loss from sintered ceramic materials are not adequate in the fabrication of small ceramic components such as multilayer monolithic magnetic devices wherein a magnetic core is substantially surrounded by an insulating housing. Applicants have determined that this metal loss problem can be solved by providing the component with a housing layer having an appropriate concentration of metal. Specifically, if the insulating housing material around the magnetic core has, during the high temperature firing, the same partial pressure of metal as the magnetic core material, there is no net loss of metal from the core. In a preferred embodiment, loss of zinc from a MnZn ferrite core is compensated by providing a housing of NiZn ferrite or zinc aluminate with appropriate Zn concentrations. Similar considerations apply to other ceramic components.

Abstract: Multilayer magnetic components can be made with reduced cracking and magnetic degradation by forming layers having patterns of magnetic and insulating regions separated by regions that are removable during sintering. Advantageously, when the layers are stacked, layers of removable material are also disposed between magnetic regions and insulating regions so as to produce upon sintering a magnetic core within an insulating body wherein the core is substantially completely surrounded by a thin layer of free space.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of superconducting ceramic materials by a solid state reaction technique. The process is especially suited for production of powders including .gtoreq.95% of Ba.sub.2 YCu.sub.3 O.sub.7 for use in producing sintered ceramic bodies including >99% Ba.sub.2 YCu.sub.3 O.sub.7.

Abstract: A predominantly perovskite phase Pb(Zn.sub.x Mg.sub.1-x Nb.sub.2).sub.1/3 O.sub.3 ceramic is prepared by first forming a columbite precursor having the formula Zn.sub.x Mg.sub.1-x Nb.sub.2 O.sub.6 and reacting this material with PbO at temperatures of from 800.degree. C. to at least 1000.degree. C. as x varies from 0.025 to 0.7.

Abstract: A method of preparing lightly doped ceramic materials which forms a slurry of the ceramic material with additives in solution, precipitates the additives and spray dries the slurry with the additive precipitates is described.