Abstract: A method of making a haloapatite phosphor having a general formula represented by (Ca(1?x?y)MnxSby)5(PO4)3(F(1?z?y)ClzOy), where 0<x<0.05, 0.004<y<0.01, and 0<z<0.1. is provided. The method involves (a) formulating a blend of ingredients to make the haloapatite phosphor, the ingredients including CaHPO4 as a primary source of calcium and phosphorus, (b) partially substituting an amount of an equimolar combination of an ammonium phosphate compound and calcium carbonate for an equal number of moles of CaHPO4 in the formulation, (c) combining the ingredients in their formulated amounts to form the blend, and (d) firing the blend to form the haloapatite phosphor. The partial substitution has been found to increase the 100-hour brightness of the haloapatite phosphors.

Abstract: A europium-activated barium aluminate phosphor is described wherein the phosphor is doped with tetravalent ions of Hf, Zr, or Si. Preferably, the phosphor is represented by (Ba1?xEux)MgAl10O17:(Hf,Zr,Si)y where 0.05?x?0.25 and 0<y?0.05. The tetravalent dopant ions are shown to enhance the stability of the phosphor in UV/VUV applications.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving the x-ray screen brightness of gadolinium oxysulfide x-ray phosphors. The method applies annealing and acid washing steps in a specific order following deagglomeration of the phosphor in order to ameliorate the loss of brightness caused by the deagglomeration.

Abstract: In a method of preparing an alkaline earth halophospor having an antimony content greater than about 0.70 weight percent, a uniform mixture of starting raw materials is fired with already fired phosphor of the desired alkaline earth halophosphate so that the already fired phosphor is refired in an inert atmosphere containing volitile species from the uniform mixture of starting raw materials.

Abstract: In a method of preparing an alkaline earth halophospor having an antimony content greater than about 0.70 weight percent, a uniform mixture of starting raw materials is fired with already fired phosphor of the desired alkaline earth halophosphate so that the already fired phosphor is refired in an inert atmosphere containing volatile species from the uniform mixture of starting raw materials.

Abstract: A procedure used to prepare Ba(Ti.sub.1-x),Zr.sub.x)O.sub.3 compositions wherein 0<x<0.25 having a more completely randomized distribution of Ti and Zr atoms on the TiO.sub.2 sublattice of barium titanate is described. In accordance with the present invention there is provided a method for preparing barium titanium zirconium oxide ferroelectic ceramic. The present method comprises mixing tetraalkyl titanate and alkyl zirconate in appropriate amounts to produce (Ti.sub.1-x Zr.sub.x)alkoxide wherein 0<x<0.25; reacting (Ti.sub.1-x Zr.sub.x) alkoxide wherein 0<x<0.25 to form (Ti.sub.1-x Zr.sub.x)O.sub.2 wherein 0<x<0.25 admixing (Ti.sub.1-x Zr.sub.x)O.sub.2 with BaCO.sub.3, said BaCO.sub.3 being added in a molar ratio greater than 1 relative to (Ti.sub.1-x Zr.sub.x)O.sub.2 ; heating the admixture for a period of time and at a temperature sufficient to produce Ba(Ti.sub.1-x Zr.sub.x)O.sub.3 wherein 0<x<0.25.

Abstract: An improved nonlinear dielectric element for use in ferroelectric ceramic capacitors is disclosed which exhibits higher operating temperatures and lower coercive field levels than the compositions presently in use. This new composition is based upon Pb(Mg.sub.0.33 Nb.sub.0.67)O.sub.3 as described by the general formulau[Pb(Mg.sub.0.33 Nb.sub.0.67)O.sub.3 ]+v[PbTiO.sub.3 ]+w[Pb(Me.sub.0.50 W.sub.0.50)O.sub.3 ],wherein u, v and w denote mole fractions, and Me represents a metal ion having a +2 valence such as Mg, Zn or Ni. In a preferred embodiment, u.gtoreq.0.65, v.ltoreq.0.35 and w.ltoreq.0.033.

Abstract: A low fire ceramic dielectric composition, a multilayer capacitor made from such a ceramic dielectric composition provided with silver/palladium electrodes having at least 65 atomic percent silver, and a method of manufacturing such a multilayer capacitor. The ceramic is barium titanate-based and includes Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3, Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5, and TiO.sub.2 to improve sinterability. MnCO.sub.3 is added to increase the insulation resistance. The multilayer capacitor includes high silver-content electrodes to reduce the quantity of expensive noble metals. The multilayer part may be fired at a temperature of 1150.degree. C. or less to yield a capacitor meeting EIA specification X7R. The low firing temperature also inhibits a chemical reaction between bismuth and palladium.

Abstract: A low-fired ceramic dielectric composition, a multilayer capacitor made from such a ceramic dielectric composition provided with silver/palladium electrodes having at least 65 atomic percent silver, and a method of manufacturing such a multilayer capacitor. The ceramic is barium titanate-based and includes Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3, Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5, and TiO.sub.2 to improve sinterability. MnCO.sub.3 is added to increase the insulation resistance. The multilayer capacitor includes high silver-content electrodes to reduce the quantity of expensive noble metals. The multilayer part may be fired at a temperature of 1150.degree. C. or less to yield a capacitor meeting EIA specification X7R. The low firing temperature also inhibits a chemical reaction between bismuth and palladium.

Abstract: A major amount of strontium titanate is modified with additions of lanthanide series rare earth aluminates, titanates and transition metal oxides to provide sintered semiconductive ceramics with enhanced temperature and voltage stability. The modified strontium titanate ceramic, having the general formula:(1-x)SrTiO.sub.3 +x(1-y)[(1-z)LnAlO.sub.3 +zLn.sub..66 TiO.sub.3]+xyLnMO.sub.3,is coated with a fritted electrode material and fired at a temperature below the melting point of the electrode material to cause the frit to diffuse into the ceramic and form insulating boundaries around the ceramic grains. Ceramic capacitors so formed are characterized by their excellent electrical properties, particularly their improved temperature stability as evidenced by extremely low changes in capacitance with temperature.