Abstract: The invention relates to a light source comprising a phosphor composition and a light emitting device such as an LED or a laser diode. The phosphor composition absorbs radiation having a first spectrum and emits radiation having a second spectrum and comprises at least one of: YBO3:Ce3+,Tb3+; BaMgAl10O17:Eu2+,Mn2+; (Sr,Ca,Ba)(Al,Ga)2S4:Eu2+; and Y3Al5O12—Ce3+; and at least one of: Y2O2S:Eu3+,Bi3+; YVO4:Eu3+,Bi3+; SrS:Eu2+; SrY2S4:Eu2+; CaLa2S4:Ce3+; and (Ca,Sr)S:Eu2+. The phosphor composition and the light source together can produce white light with pleasing characteristics, such as a color temperature of 3000-6500° K, a color rendering index of about 83-87, and a device luminous efficacy of about 10-20 lumens per watt.

Abstract: An ignition system for a gas appliance comprises an ignition controller that receives a current from a power source. The ignition controller is also coupled to an ignitor and to a current actuated valve that releases a flow of gas when the current is greater than a first predetermined current value and less than a second predetermined current value. Ignition safety for the gas appliance is provided by establishing a fixed range of current through the ignitor before the gas valve is opened.

Abstract: A method of making an electronic device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, comprises the steps of: forming a polycrystalline substrate in a desired shape; converting the polycrystalline substrate into a single crystal substrate using a solid state crystal conversion process; and forming an electronic element on the substrate. Typically, alumina is formed in the shape of a wafer, sintered to form a densified polycrystalline alumina wafer, and heated to a temperature between the melting point of alumina and one-half the melting point of alumina to convert the densified polycrystalline alumina wafer into a sapphire wafer. A light-emitting diode or other electronic device, such as a laser diode, a high frequency microwave device, or an optoelectronic detector, can be formed on the wafer by depositing layers of semiconductor material on the wafer. The solid state crystal conversion process provides several advantages in forming electronic devices.

Abstract: A SrAl12O19 green luminescent material is doped with Mn2+ activator ions and at least one trivalent rare earth sensitizer ion species. Preferably, the material contains four rare earth ions: Ce3+, Pr3+, Gd3+ and Tb3+. Optionally, a portion of the aluminum may be substituted with magnesium. The material may be used as a display device or lamp phosphor or as an X-ray diagnostic or laser scintillator.