Abstract: A method of manufacturing a highly crystallized phosphor powder, comprising: making a raw material solution containing metal elements and/or semimetal elements that will be constituents of the phosphor into fine liquid droplets, subjecting the liquid droplets to decomposition by heating at a temperature of 500 to 1800° C. to produce hollow precursor particles and/or porous precursor particles, heating the precursor particles to crystallize the precursor particles while maintaining the hollow or porous form, and grinding the crystallized particles down to a predetermined particle size. The obtained phosphor powder is a high luminance inorganic phosphor powder that is extremely fine, and yet has few defects on the surface of or inside the powder, and hence has excellent crystallinity and light emission characteristics, and provides a phosphor composition useful for producing a phosphor layer with high coverage and high luminance of light emission.

Abstract: A quantum-splitting phosphor has a formula of ADF5:Pr3+, wherein A is at least one alkaline-earth metal and D is at least one Group-IIIB metal. The phosphor is made in a solid-state method without using hazardous HF gas. The phosphor can be used alone or in conjunction with other phosphors in light sources and displays wherein it can be excited by VUV radiation, and increase the efficiency of these devices.

Abstract: The present application is directed to the preparation and use of a class of nanoparticles called Quantum Confined Atoms or QCA's. A QCA is a particle of material comprising a plurality of host atoms in a nanoparticle of a size of less than 10 nm with a single atom of a dopant (or activator) confined within. The QCA's have unique luminescent and optical properties and thus can act as a very efficient nanophosphor which generate polarized light and can operate as a laser and a nanomagnet. An anti-agglomeration coating surrounding the nanoparticles can prevent clumping and loss of the enhanced properties.

Abstract: A rare earth containing glass nominally based on the ternary P2O5—WO3—Na2O-Ln2O3 compositional space, with WO3>30-65 mole %, Na2O 15-35 mole %, P2O5 5-65 mole %, Ln2O3 (Ln=one or more cations selected from lanthanum or any of the rare earth oxides) up to the limit of solubility; with optional additives, MoO3 being a preferred additive, that can be employed alone or in combination at levels up to 15 mole %.

Abstract: A phosphor comprises a material having a formula of AMgD10O17:Eu2+,Mn2+, wherein A is at least an alkaline-earth metal selected from the group consisting of Ba, Sr, Ca, and combinations thereof; and D is at least a metal selected from the group consisting of Al, Ga, In, and combinations thereof; wherein Eu2+ ions are present in an amount from about 10 to about 50 atom percent of a combined quantity of A ions and europium ions, and Mn2+ ions are present in an amount from about 5 to about 30 atom percent of a combined quantity of magnesium ions and manganese ions. The phosphor is used alone or in conjunction with other phosphors to convert UV/blue radiation emitted by a source, such as an LED or a gas discharge device, to visible light.

Abstract: A method for making phosphor ink is provided which uses ultrasonic vibrations to remove surface defect layers from phosphor particles and to quickly and uniformly disperse the phosphor particles throughout a slurry. Propagation of low frequency vibration through the slurry generates cavitation, causing distortion and then removal of the surface defect layer, and propagation of high frequency vibration through the slurry causes the particles to be dispersed quickly and uniformly throughout the slurry. In this manner, a quantity of light generated in the phosphor and corresponding luminance of a PDP is increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a production method of a phosphor comprising the steps of: forming a phosphor precursor in a liquid phase; drying the phosphor precursor; and firing the dried phosphor precursor to obtain the phosphor. At least one of the forming step, drying step and firing step is conducted in the presence of a binder.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a phosphor of minimum particle size having an excellent crystallinity and a high brightness higher than conventional crude particles, which is usable for a highly precise display, a highly bright illuminating element or illuminating apparatus, a high speed immunoassay system or the like, i.e. a phosphor having a substantially spherical outer shape, which comprises primary particles having a median diameter D50 in a range of from 0.05 ?m to 1 ?m and secondary particles having a median diameter D50 in a range of from 0.1 ?m to 2 ?m, wherein at least 50 vol % of the total secondary particles has an aspect ratio of at least 0.8 and an internal quantum efficiency is in a range of from 0.8 to 1.

Abstract: Cathodoluminescent phosphor powders and a method for making phosphor powders. The phosphor powders have a small particle size, narrow particle size distribution and are substantially spherical. The method of the invention advantageously permits the economic production of such powders. The invention also relates to improved devices, such as cathodoluminescent display devices, incorporating the phosphor powders.

Abstract: As a red light emitting phosphor capable of efficiently emitting red light at a high luminance in response to exciting light having a wavelength of 350-420 nm, and practically used in a light emitting device for red display or a light emitting device for white or intermediate color display in combination with green and blue light emitting phosphors, the invention provides a red light emitting phosphor capable of emitting red light upon excitation with light having a wavelength of 350-420 nm and having compositional formula (1): AEuxLn(1-x)M2O8??(1) wherein A is at least one element selected from among Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs, Ln is at least one element selected from among Y and rare earth elements exclusive of Eu, M is at least one element selected from among W and Mo, and x is a positive number satisfying 0<x?1; and a red light emitting phosphor having compositional formula (2): D0.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing particles of a metal compound having a spherical particle shape and an average particle diameter larger than 0.3 ?m without employing high-pressure conditions. This object is achieved by a process for producing particle of a metal compound comprising a step of adjusting pH of an aqueous solution containing urea and at least one metal element to from 4 to 8, a step of heating the aqueous solution under normal pressure, a step of separating a solid from the solution, and a step of drying the solid.

Abstract: A process for producing a metal oxide phosphor includes a step of firing a powder containing an organic metal chelate complex including a plurality of metals constituting the metal oxide at a uniform composition, whereby produced is a metal oxide phosphor having substantially spherical shape with substantially uniform particle size and excellent luminance properties.

Abstract: Sintered, translucent ceramic microbeads, preferably alumina, titania, zirconia, yttria, zirconium phosphate, or yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) are doped with one or more optically active species. The beads may be added to substances such as explosives in order to create a distinctive optical signature that identifies a manufacturer, lot number, etc. in the event of the need for forensic analysis. Because the beads have a generally spherical surface, the radius of curvature provides an additional distinguishing characteristic by which a particular sample may be identified. The beads could also be formulated into paints if needed to create distinctive optical signatures for camouflage, decoys, or other countermeasures and could also be applied as a dust to track the movement of personnel, vehicles, etc.

Abstract: An ink for a display panel that at a time of application is a mixture of a powder material, a water-soluble resin included in a range of 1 wt % to 20 wt % inclusive of the ink, and a water-miscible solvent. The ink is water-soluble, and in comparison to conventional organic inks, the ink of the present invention exhibits a markedly reduced susceptibility to the occurrence of electrostatic action. Thus, even when the ink is discharged through a plurality of fine nozzle holes, for example, it is possible for the application process to be conducted with great efficiency, since the individual ink flows discharged from the nozzle holes flow in a vertically downward direction without reacting with each other and becoming warped as a result. The ink of the present invention may, for example, be a phosphor ink, an Ag electrode ink, a shading film (black matrix) ink, a sealant glass ink, or a white reflective layer ink, and the ink may be used in forming structural layers of a display panel.

Abstract: An improved coated phosphor filler for an optical device includes a plurality of individual phosphor filler particles, and a coating layer having a plastic substance coated on each of the phosphor filler particles.

Abstract: An ink for a display panel effective in reducing the uneven adhesion of the ink is applied by an ink application apparatus using an inkjet method to form a structural layer (e.g. reflective layer, phosphor layer) of a display panel such as a plasma display panel. The ink is delivered through a nozzle of the ink application apparatus and includes a powder material used in forming the structural layer, water or a water-miscible solvent, a binder formed from a water-soluble resin, and a plasticizer. The flexibility retained by the ink, even after the ink is applied, allows for leveling of the applied ink to occur and uneven adhesion to be reduced as a result.

Abstract: The invention is directed to luminescent materials containing isotopically-enriched atomic elements and methods of making these luminescent materials. Individual embodiments of the invention include isotopically-enriched ZnO:Zn, ZnS:Cu:Cl, Zn2SiO4:Mn, Y2O2S:Eu, Gd2O2S:Tb and CaWO4 phosphors as well as methods of synthesizing these luminescent materials using isotopically-enriched starting materials.

Abstract: A method of making an electron emissive material using combinatorial chemistry techniques is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of pixels of the electron emissive material, each pixel having at least one different characteristic from any other one of the plurality of pixels, and measuring at least one property of each pixel. The measurement may include a measurement of the electron emissive material work function using a Kelvin probe or other work function measurement systems.

Abstract: A mixed green color fluorescent material for an electric device such as a plasma display panel includes: at least a first fluorescent material selected from a Group A defined in a range (0.10≦x≦0.18, 0.70≦y≦0.80) on a chromaticity coordinate; and at least a second fluorescent material selected from a Group B defined in a range (0.25≦x≦0.35, 0.55 ≦y≦0.65) on the chromaticity coordinate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plasma picture screen provided with a phosphor layer which comprises an intrinsically pigmented phosphor. The plasma picture screen has an improved value for the luminance contrast performance without the efficiency of the phosphors being detracted from.

Abstract: A process of preparing an inorganic compound is disclosed, comprising the steps of (a) allowing at least an inorganic raw material compounds (A) and an inorganic raw material compound (B) which are different in solubility in water to react with each other in the presence of a reaction solvent with stirring to deposit an inorganic compound (C), while allowing a part of each of the compound (A) and compound (B) to exist as a solid; and

Abstract: An electric lamp (10) which emits a blue color when energized and which comprises a light transmissive envelope (12) enclosing an electric light source (16) within, said envelope (12) having a surface (11) on which is a coating comprising sulfate precipitated silica, aluminum silicate pigment, and cobalt blue aluminate spinel. The lamp is useful in appliances such as refrigerators.

Abstract: A process for producing fine phosphor particles having a high crystallinity, having a small amount of aggregated particles and comprising fine particles, thus capable of forming a homogeneous and dense high brightness fluorescent layer when applied to e.g. a cathode ray tube, a fluorescent lamp or PDP, and having a high purity, a uniform chemical composition and excellent emission properties, at a low cost, is provided. A process for producing a phosphor, which comprises heating droplets of a solution containing metal elements constituting the phosphor to carry out pyrolysis to obtain the phosphor, wherein the above heating is carried out in the coexistence of an additive comprising a metal or a metal compound to carry out the pyrolysis at an average crystal growth rate of at least 0.002 &mgr;m3/sec.

Abstract: A long-life, white-emitting phosphor blend is provided which comprises about 75 wt. % of a first electroluminescent phosphor having an x color coordinate of about 0.530 and a y color coordinate of about 0.455; about 10 wt. % of a second electroluminescent phosphor having an x color coordinate of about 0.185 and a y color coordinate of about 0.440, said second electroluminescent phosphor containing about 600 ppm copper; and about 15 wt. % of a third electroluminescent phosphor having an x color coordinate of about 0.160 and a y color coordinate of about 0.175, said third electroluminescent phosphor containing about 300 ppm copper.

Abstract: An imaging composition comprises a mixture of a fluid and a functional material; wherein the fluid is compressed and the functional material is an electroluminescent material which is dissolved, dispersed and/or solubilized in the compressed fluid; and wherein the mixture is thermodynamically stable or thermodynamically metastable or both.

Abstract: Methods for producing metal/metalloid oxide particles comprise rare earth metals herein include reacting a reactant stream in a gas flow. The reactant stream includes a rare earth metal precursor and an oxygen source. A collection of particles comprising metal/metalloid oxide have an average particle size from about 15 nm to about 1 micron. The metal/metalloid oxide comprises a non-rare earth metal oxide wherein less than about 25 percent of a non-rare earth metal is substituted with a rare earth metal. The particles are useful as phosphors, for example for use in displays.

Abstract: A fluorescent or luminous composition, comprising a multilayered film-coated powder having at least two coating films on a base particle, and a fluorescent or luminous substance; the composition, wherein at least one layer of the coating films contains the fluorescent or luminous substance; a genuine/counterfeit discrimination object, in which the fluorescent or luminous composition; and a genuine/counterfeit discrimination method, comprising recognizing fluorescence or luminescence by irradiating, with a light, the genuine/counterfeit discrimination object.

Abstract: Photoluminescent phosphor powders and a method for making phosphor powders. The phosphor powders have a small particle size, narrow particle size distribution and are substantially spherical. The method of the invention advantageously permits the economic production of such powders. The invention also relates to improved devices, such as display devices and lighting elements, incorporating the phosphor powders.

Abstract: A family of tellurite glasses and optical components for telecommunication systems, the glasses consisting essentially of, as calculated in cation percent, 65-97% TeO2, and at least one additional oxide of an element having a valence greater than two and selected from the group consisting of Ta, Nb, W, Ti, La, Zr, Hf, Y, Gd, Lu, Sc, Al and Ga, that may contain a lanthanide oxide as a dopant, in particular erbium oxide, and that, when so doped, is characterized by a fluorescent emission spectrum having a relatively broad FWHM value.

Abstract: A phosphor consisting of hollow particles, each hollow particle having an outer shell and a space in the inside of said outer shell.

Abstract: A phosphor consisting of hollow particles, each hollow particle having an outer shell and a space in the inside of said outer shell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a production method of a phosphor comprising the steps of: forming a phosphor precursor in a liquid phase; drying the phosphor precursor; and firing the dried phosphor precursor to obtain the phosphor. At least one of the forming step, drying step and firing step is conducted in the presence of a binder.

Abstract: The present invention provides new compositions containing colloidal nanocrystals with high photoluminescence quantum yields, new synthetic methods for the preparation of highly luminescent colloidal nanocrystals, as well as methods to control the photoluminescent properties of colloidal nanocrystals. For example, this invention encompasses as-prepared nanocrystals that luminesce from about 550 nm to about 675 nm and exhibit a photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) greater than or equal to about 40%. In some embodiments, PL QY from about 50% to about 80% are obtainable for nanocrystals that luminesce from about 600 nm to about 650 nm. The new synthetic methods disclosed herein allow photoemission brightness (quantum yield) to be correlated with certain adjustable nanocrystal growth parameters associated with a given synthetic scheme.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing phosphor particles of a doped host oxide which comprises: preparing an aqueous solution of salts of the host ion and of the dopant ion which is a rare earth, thorium, titanium, silicon, bismuth, copper, silver, tungsten or chromium and a water soluble compound, which decomposes under the reaction conditions to convert said salts into hydroxycarbonate, heating the solution so as to cause said compound to decompose, recovering the resulting precipitate and calcining it at a temperature of at least 500° C.

Abstract: Scintillator compositions useful for the detection of high-energy radiation, such as X, &bgr;, or &ggr; radiation, contain alkali and rare earth pyrotungstates. In particular, the pyrotungstate is a double tungstate containing an oxide of an alkali metal selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Rb, and Cs and an oxide of a rare-earth element selected from the group consisting of Y, Gd, La, and Lu. The scintillators are characterized by high light output, reduced afterglow, short decay time, and high X-ray stopping power.

Abstract: Interference pigment flakes and foils are provided which have luminescent and color-shifting properties. The pigment flakes can have a symmetrical coating structure on opposing sides of a core layer, can have an asymmetrical coating structure with all of the layers on one side of the core layer, or can be formed with encapsulating coatings around the core layer. The coating structure of the flakes and foils includes a core layer, a dielectric layer overlying the core layer, and an absorber layer overlying the dielectric layer. A luminescent material is incorporated into the flakes or foils as a separate layer or as at least part of one or more of the other layers. The pigment flakes and foils exhibit a discrete color shift so as to have a first color at a first angle of incident light or viewing and a second color different from the first color at a second angle of incident light or viewing.

Abstract: A process for producing fine phosphor particles having a high crystallinity, having a small amount of aggregated particles and comprising fine particles, thus capable of forming a homogeneous and dense high brightness fluorescent layer when applied to e.g. a cathode ray tube, a fluorescent lamp or PDP, and having a high purity, a uniform chemical composition and excellent emission properties, at a low cost, is provided. A process for producing a phosphor, which comprises heating droplets of a solution containing metal elements constituting the phosphor to carry out pyrolysis to obtain the phosphor, wherein the above heating is carried out in the coexistence of an additive comprising a metal or a metal compound to carry out the pyrolysis at an average crystal growth rate of at least 0.002 &mgr;m3/sec.

Abstract: Interference pigment flakes and foils are provided which have luminescent and color-shifting properties. A luminescent material coating structure is provided which partially covers or encapsulates a color-shifting pigment flake, or covers the outer surface of a foil. The pigment flakes can have a symmetrical coating structure on opposing sides of a core layer, can have an asymmetrical coating structure with all of the layers on one side of the core layer, or can be formed with encapsulating coatings around the core layer. The coating structure of the flakes and foils includes a core layer, a dielectric layer overlying the core layer, and an absorber layer overlying the dielectric layer. The luminescent pigment flakes and foils exhibit a discrete color shift so as to have a first color at a first angle of incident light or viewing and a second color different from the first color at a second angle of incident light or viewing.

Abstract: A method of recovering a base phosphor from encapsulated phosphors, which comprises the steps of selecting a recovery vessel including a magnetic stir bar; adding to the recovery vessel, deionized water, a first batch of concentrated hydrochloric acid and encapsulated phosphor to form a stirred suspension; heating the stirred suspension to about 90° C. for about 2 hours; settling the stirred suspension; decanting the mother liquor and slurrying the remaining solids with a second batch of hydrochloric acid and water; decanting and washing the remaining solids with deionized water; filtering the remaining solids to form a filter cake; heating the filter cake at 110° C. in air for a time sufficient to form a dried filter cake; and screening the dried filter cake through a −325 mesh screen to yield a recovered base phosphor.

Abstract: A glass panel for a color cathode ray tube, which has a linear absorption coefficient of X-ray with a wavelength of 0.06 nm of from 30 to 38 cm−1 and which has a layer having a compression stress of at least 70 MPa formed by a chemical strengthening method at least at short axis end portions and/or long axis end portions of the outer surface of a face portion and at a center portion of the inner surface of the face portion.

Abstract: A method of recovering a base phosphor from encapsulated phosphors, which comprises the steps of selecting a recovery vessel including a magnetic stir bar; adding to the recovery vessel, deionized water, a first batch of concentrated hydrochloric acid and encapsulated phosphor to form a stirred suspension; heating the stirred suspension to about 90° C. for about 2 hours; settling the stirred suspension; decanting the mother liquor and slurrying the remaining solids with a second batch of hydrochloric acid and water; decanting and washing the remaining solids with deionized water; filtering the remaining solids to form a filter cake; heating the filter cake at 110° C. in air for a time sufficient to form a dried filter cake; and screening the dried filter cake through a −325 mesh screen to yield a recovered base phosphor.

Abstract: A color display screen comprises a red phosphor and a color pigment having a general formula selected from the group consisting of: A1−xA′xBO2−xN1+x, where 0<x<1, A is Mg(II), Ca(II), Sr(II), Ba(II) or Zn(II), A′ is a trivalent rare earth metal, Bi(III), Al(III) or Fe(III), B is V(V), Nb(V), Ta(V) or W(V); AB1−xB′xBO1+xN2−x, where 0<x<1, A is Mg(II), Ca(II), Sr(II), Ba(II) or Zn(II), A′ is a trivalent rare earth metal, Bi(III), Al(III) or Fe(III), B is V(V), Nb(V), Ta(V) or W(V) and B′ is Ti(IV), Zr(IV), Hf(IV), Sn(IV), Ge(IV), Si(IV), Nb(IV) or Ta(IV); AyA′2−yB2O5+yN2−y, where 0 <y<2, A is Mg(II), Ca(II), Sr(II). Ba(II) or Zn(II), A′ is a trivalent rare earth metal, Bi(III), Al(III) or Fe(III), B is V(V), Nb(V), Ta (V) or W(V); A2B2−yB′yO5+yN2−y, where 0<y<2, A is Mg(II), Ca(II), Sr(II).

Abstract: A scintillator for detecting radiation such as x-rays or y-rays, improved with the quantity of light without deteriorating the attenuation time of fluorescence, in which single crystals of tungstate are used and arranged in a crystal orientation that the crystal face where atoms maintain dense configuration and the incident direction of the radiation are in parallel with each other, the cleavage face being selected as the crystal face where atoms maintain dense configuration.

Abstract: Scintillator compositions useful for the detection of high-energy radiation, such as X, &bgr;, or &ggr; radiation, contain alkali and rare earth pyrotungstates. In particular, the pyrotungstate is a double tungstate containing an oxide of an alkali metal selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Rb, and Cs and an oxide of a rare-earth element selected from the group consisting of Y, Gd, La, and Lu. The scintillators are characterized by high light output, reduced afterglow, short decay time, and high X-ray stopping power.

Abstract: The present invention provides fully tunable photonic band gap (PBG) materials. These materials are periodic composite materials comprising a high refractive index dielectric material and another optically anisotropic, birefringent, electro-optically tunable, or magneto-optically tunable material with a lower dielectric constant in which the photonic band structure can be globally or locally changed in a controlled manner by application of an external electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic field, whereby changing the refractive index properties of one or more of the dielectric constituents by application of the field modulates the photonic band structure. In one aspect of the invention, when an optically birefringent nematic liquid crystal is infiltrated into the void regions of full bandgap (PBG) material based on an inverse opal, the resulting composite material exhibits a completely tunable PBG.

Abstract: Doped phosphors (e.g., metal orthosilicates) are made by adding solid particulate precursor to a solution of an alkoxide precursor and a dopant precursor before hydrolysis is allowed to occur. The mixture is then allowed to hydrolyze, resulting in a sol-gel condensation reaction. The solid particulate precursor can be fumed silica, and acts as a nucleation site for the sol-gel reaction product. After the sol-gel reaction, the mixture is dried and fired to form phosphors. The phosphors are especially suitable for applications in which there is low voltage operation.

Abstract: An electroluminescent phosphor with an extended half-life is created by means of the present invention by taking an amount of a phosphor and treating it with antimony comprising the steps of placing an amount of antimony in an inert reaction vessel, placing a vapor permeable filter on top of the antimony, placing a phosphor with a given half-life on top of the vapor permeable filter, evacuating the reaction vessel below one atmosphere and heating it for a period of time to allow the antimony to react with the phosphor to produce a new phosphor with an extended half-life.

Abstract: A family of alkali-tungsten-tellurite glasses that consist essentially of, as calculated in mole percent, 10-90% TeO2, at least 5% W03 and at least 0.5% R2O where R is Li, Na, K, Cs, Tl and mixtures, that may contain a lanthanide oxide as a dopant, in particular erbium oxide, and that, when so doped, is characterized by a fluorescent emission spectrum having a relatively broad FWHM value.

Abstract: A luminescent nanophase binder is provided for use in UV and VUV applications. The binder promotes adherence of phosphor coatings to lamp envelopes and emits visible light under UV and VUV excitation. In a preferred embodiment, the binder comprises SiO2 nanoparticles doped with terbium or terbium and yttrium. Preferably, the nanoparticles have a particle size of less than 50 nm.

Abstract: A display screen comprising a phosphor composition which includes a phosphor and a phosphor coating with a group of metal-oxygen compounds, the group of metal-oxygen compounds containing an yttrium-oxygen compound, is characterized by a surprising improvement in picture brightness, color purity and adhesion of the phosphor composition to the glass of the display screen. The phosphor layer exhibits a high packing density of the phosphor material. The phosphor layer further exhibits a good homogeneity and is free from “pinholes”. In addition, the structured phosphor layer shows a high definition.