Abstract: A method of forming solid lubricant pockets in boron based and boron containing ceramic materials (i.e. boron carbide) by nitrogen ion implantation and laser annealing. By employing the present method said solid lubricant pockets may be formed in approximately the first 750 Angstroms of the surface and near surface regions of, for example, a polycrystalline boron carbide sample. Moreover, the present invention enables one to direct the formation of solid lubricants to specific areas on the boron based or boron containing ceramics to meet a specific need. The product of the present invention is a ceramic having a reduced coefficient of friction, greater durability, and reduced chipping and fracture.

Abstract: An ionic bombardment barrier layer is provided for vacuum tube, said layer being formed of a stable compound of nitrogen and silicon. It is deposited by vapor phase chemical reaction activated by low temperature plasma. It finds an application in light image intensifier tubes.