Abstract: The maintenance characteristics of the phosphors used in VUV-excited devices such as plasma display panels can be improved by applying a coating of an aluminum oxyhydroxide compound by reacting vaporized trimethylaluminum with water vapor at a temperature of about 430° C. or above. In particular, the maintenance of an europium-activated, calcium-substituted barium hexa-aluminate phosphor is significantly improved following exposure to a high intensity VUV flux.

Abstract: An acidic solution can be used to dissolve undesirable impurity phases in UV-emitting SrB4O7:Eu phosphors that reduce the UV emission intensity of said phosphor. In particular, the impurity phase, SrB6O10:Eu, is no longer detected after treating the phosphor with an acid washing process. The phosphors after acid washing are shown to have improved UV emission intensity without greatly increasing the mean particle size.

Abstract: Blue-emitting phosphors for use with plasma display panels (PDP) or other vacuum ultraviolet-excited (VUV) devices are provided. These blue-emitting phosphors and mixtures thereof include at least a europium-activated calcium-substituted barium hexa-aluminate (CBAL) phosphor. Preferably, the CBAL phosphor has a composition which may be represented by the formula: Ba1.29-x-yCaxEuyAl2O19.29, wherein 0<x<0.25 and 0.01<y<0.20. These blue-emitting phosphors exhibit improved degradation characteristics, including reduced color shift and increased intensity maintenance, under conditions found in VUV-excited devices.

Abstract: The UVC emission of a Sr(Al,Mg)12O19:Pr is improved by providing an excess of magnesium relative to the molar amount praseodymium In particular, the UVC-emitting phosphor has a composition represented by the formula Sr1-xPrxAl12-yMgyO19 wherein y>x. The phosphor is excited by vacuum ultraviolet radiation and may be used to create a mercury-free germicidal lamp.

Abstract: An acidic solution can be used to dissolve undesirable impurity phases in UV-emitting SrB4O7:Eu phosphors that reduce the UV emission intensity of said phosphor. In particular, the impurity phase, SrB6O10:Eu, is no longer detected after treating the phosphor with an acid washing process. The phosphors after acid washing are shown to have improved UV emission intensity without greatly increasing the mean particle size.

Abstract: A high brightness green-emitting phosphor is described.

Abstract: A high brightness green-emitting phosphor is described. The phosphor has the general formula: (Y(1-x-y-z)GdxTbyLaz)BO3 where 0.01≦x≦0.4, 0.01≦y≦0.1, and 0<z≦0.2. The phosphor exhibits an enhanced brightness under VUV excitation which is desirable for plasma display panels.

Abstract: A ZnS:Ag,Al phosphor and method of making are described wherein the ZnS:Ag,Al phosphor exhibits a substantially polyhedral morphology and low particle agglomeration. The method of making includes the use of a mixed sodium chloride and alkaline-earth metal chloride flux. The resulting ZnS:Ag,Al phosphors may be made into finished CRT phosphors having improved CRT screen making properties.

Abstract: A ZnS:Ag,Al phosphor and method of making are described wherein the ZnS:Ag,Al phosphor exhibits a substantially polyhedral morphology and low particle agglomeration. The method of making includes the use of a mixed sodium chloride and alkaline-earth metal chloride flux. The resulting ZnS:Ag,Al phosphors may be made into finished CRT phosphors having improved CRT screen making properties.

Abstract: A Li2SO4'Na2SO4 mixed flux for use in the synthesis of yttrium tantalate x-ray phosphors has been invented. The phosphors made with the mixed flux exhibit a dramatic increase XOF brightness, decreased persistence, and a reduced particle size.

Abstract: A composition and method are provided for reducing the persistence of yttrium tantalate x-ray phosphors having the monoclinic M' structure. Persistence is reduced by incorporating a molybdenum or vanadium additive into the phosphor. The method for incorporating the molybdenum or vanadium additive consists of adding a molybdenum or vanadium containing compound to the mixture of raw materials formulated to make the phosphor and firing the mixture at a temperature and for a time sufficient to form the phosphor.

Abstract: A composition and method are provided for reducing the persistence of yttrium tantalate x-ray phosphors having the monoclinic M' structure. Persistence is reduced by incorporating a tungsten additive into the phosphor. The phosphor preferably contains at least about 4 ppm W. The method for incorporating the tungsten additive consists of adding a tungsten containing compound to the mixture of raw materials formulated to make the phosphor and firing the mixture at a temperature and for a time sufficient to form the phosphor.

Abstract: Alkali metal quaternary chalcogenides and process for the preparation. The chalcogenides have the formula A.sub.x B.sub.y C.sub.z D.sub.n containing (CD.sub.4).sup.4- or (C.sub.2 D.sub.6).sup.4- ions where A is selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal and a mixture of alkali metals, B is selected from the group consisting of mercury, zinc and manganese, C is a metal selected from the group consisting of germanium and tin and D is selected from the group consisting of sulfur and selenium, wherein x, y, z and n are molar amounts which provide non-linear optical transmission properties. These chalcogenides are useful as non-linear optical transmission crystals.

Abstract: Alkali metal quaternary chalcogenides and process for the preparation. The chalcogenides have the formula A.sub.x B.sub.y C.sub.z D.sub.n containing (CD.sub.4).sup.4- or (C.sub.2 D.sub.6).sup.4- ions where A is selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal and a mixture of alkali metals, B is selected from the group consisting of mercury, zinc and manganese, C is a metal selected from the group consisting of germanium and tin and D is selected from the group consisting of sulfur and selenium, wherein x, y, z and n are molar amounts which provide non-linear optical transmission properties. These chalcogenides are useful as non-linear optical transmission crystals.

Abstract: Alkali metal quaternary chalcogenides and process for the preparation. The chalcogenides have the formula A.sub.x B.sub.y C.sub.z D.sub.n containing (CD.sub.4).sup.4- or (C.sub.2 D.sub.6).sup.4- ions where A is selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal and a mixture of alkali metals, B is selected from the group consisting of mercury, zinc and manganese, C is a metal selected from the group consisting of germanium and tin and D is selected from the group consisting of sulfur and selenium, wherein x, y, z and n are molar amounts which provide non-linear optical transmission properties. These chalcogenides are useful as non-linear optical transmission crystals.