Abstract: Ba--Sr--Ti-oxide dielectric material, with at least 60 atomic percent of the total content of the oxide being Ti, can have relatively high dielectric constant K (>40 at 20.degree. C.) and relatively low second order voltage coefficient a.sub.2 of the dielectric constant (a.sub.2 <100 PPM V.sup.2 at 20.degree. C.). In preferred embodiments the dielectric material has nominal composition (BA.sub.x Sr.sub.y Ti.sub.1--x--y)-oxide, with 1--x--y in the range 0.65-0.90, with both x and y greater than or equal to 0.05. Ba, Sr and Ti together typically comprise at least 99 atomic percent of the total metal content of the dielectric material.

Abstract: A method of forming a via hole in a substrate includes forming an opening in a substrate thereby forming a slag and then heating the substrate to recombine the slag with the substrate.

Abstract: Infrared detection and transmission apparatus are disclosed which incorporate an infrared transparent window consisting essentially of thorium fluoride. Due to high resistance to thermal shock, thorium fluoride window material may be used to advantage under extreme atmospheric conditions or for the transmission of infrared radiation at high power levels.

Abstract: Devices are described which utilize a low loss dielectric material. This dielectric material is unique in that it combines low dielectric loss with a high and temperature-stable dielectric constant. The material is made up of BaO and TiO.sub.2 and corresponds closely in composition to the compound Ba.sub.2 Ti.sub.9 O.sub.20. Devices utilizing this material are useful at a variety of frequencies, but are particularly advantageous in the microwave region above 0.5 GHz.