Abstract: A method of fabricating a seal between a ceramic and an alloy comprising the steps of prefiring the alloy in an atmosphere with a very low partial pressure of oxygen, firing the assembled alloy and ceramic in air, and gradually cooling the fired assembly to avoid the formation of thermal stress in the ceramic. The method forms a bond between the alloy and the ceramic capable of withstanding the environment of a pressurized water reactor and suitable for use in an electrical conductivity sensitive liquid level transducer.

Abstract: Phosphors having the general formula (A.sub.1.sub.-x RE.sub.x).sub.2 Hf.sub.2 O.sub.7 are disclosed wherein A is selected from the group consisting of yttrium, gadolium, lanthanum, scandium and lutetium; RE is selected from the group consisting of praseodymium, samarium, europium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium and thulium; and x is from about 0.001 to 0.10. The phosphors are prepared by dissolving an oxide of A and an oxide of RE in a mineral acid and dissolving HfOCl.sub.2 in water and combining the two solutions. A precipitating agent such as oxalic acid is added and the precipitate is washed, dried and fired to produce the phosphors.

Abstract: A phosphor composition having the general formula HfO.sub.2 :Yb with ytterbium being present in an amount of from 0.005 to 0.10 moles per mole of hafnium is disclosed. The phosphor can be prepared from the mixed oxides or from the oxalates, carbonates, or hydroxides by precipitating the latter from an aqueous solution. Firing takes place under a reducing atmosphere, preferably nitrogen, to reduce the ytterbium to the plus 2 ion. The phosphor is a bright green emitter under ultraviolet, x-radiation and cathode ray excitation.