Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lighting component which may comprise a light emitting diode (LED) or laser diode (LD) for generating at least one of blue light or ultraviolet light. A fluoride phosphor matrix may be included, which may be consolidated into a phosphor ceramic structure including at least one of a transparent fluoride ceramic structure or a translucent fluoride ceramic structure, and positioned adjacent to the LED or LD. The phosphor ceramic structure generates at least one of red or orange light when irradiated by the light emitted from the LED or LD. The phosphor ceramic structure exhibits reduced thermal quenching relative to a fluoride particulate structure irradiated by the LED or LD.

Abstract: A “step shim” for positioning a fixture in a precise location relative to an adjoining support structure includes an elongated member having: (a) two, side surfaces, (b) a flat, bottom face, (c) a top face that includes a plurality of flat, adjoining segments, each of which is separated from an adjoining top face segment by a boundary line that extends across the top face (d) front and back ends, and (e) wherein this member has a configuration adapted to allow it to be broken apart along the member's boundary lines into a plurality of member segments that each correspond to one of the top face segments, and (f) wherein the distance between the bottom face and the segment of the above top face defines a member segment's height, each of which is progressively taller from the member's front to back end.

Abstract: A “step shim” for positioning a fixture in a precise location relative to an adjoining support structure includes an elongated member having: (a) two, side surfaces, (b) a flat, bottom face, (c) a top face that includes a plurality of flat, adjoining segments, each of which is separated from an adjoining top face segment by a boundary line that extends across the top face (d) front and back ends, and (e) wherein this member has a configuration adapted to allow it to be broken apart along the member's boundary lines into a plurality of member segments that each correspond to one of the top face segments, and (f) wherein the distance between the bottom face and the segment of the above top face defines a member segment's height, each of which is progressively taller from the member's front to back end.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp includes a phosphor composition comprising: Y2O3:Eu3+ (YEO); at least one of LaPO4:Ce3+, Tb3+ (LAP), MgAl11O19:Ce3+, Tb3+ (CAT) or GdMgB5O10:Ce3+, Tb3+ (CBT); a special BAMn phosphor, (Ba,Sr,Ca)(Mg1-xMnx)Al10O17:Eu2+, with a specific amount of Mn (x) as disclosed herein, and optionally halophosphor, with the proviso that there is no BaMgAl10O17:Eu2+ (BAM).

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp includes a phosphor composition comprising: Y2O3:Eu3+ (YEO); at least one of LaPO4:Ce3+, Tb3+ (LAP), MgAl11O19:Ce3+, Tb3+ (CAT) or GdMgB5O10:Ce3+, Tb3+ (CBT); a special BAMn phosphor, (Ba,Sr,Ca)(Mg1-xMnx)Al10O17:Eu2+, with a specific amount of Mn (x) as disclosed herein, and optionally halophosphor, with the proviso that there is no BaMgAl10O17:Eu2+ (BAM).

Abstract: This disclosure features fluorescent lamps that include a phosphor layer including at least one phosphor, which in the past has not been commercially usable in lamps or in some cases suffers from performance problems such as poor brightness. These problems of the phosphors were caused, for example, by mercury ion bombardment or exposure to 185 nm radiation from the discharge. These problems are expected to be avoided by coating particles of one or more of the phosphors, such as using atomic layer deposition in which the coating is not more than 500 nm in thickness. Examples of phosphors that can be coated are yttrium vanadate activated with europium or yttrium vanadate phosphate activated with europium. The coating can be selected from the group consisting of alumina, yttria, lanthanum oxide, magnesium aluminate spinel, magnesium oxide and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The current invention provides a persistent phosphor blend, along with techniques for making and using the blend. The persistent phosphor blend consists of at least one persistent phosphor combined with at least one other phosphor, where the excitation spectra of the one or more other phosphors overlap the emission spectra of the one or more persistent phosphors. The choice of the phosphors used allows the decay time and emission colors to be tuned for the specific application. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for making persistent phosphor blends with tunable colors. In yet another embodiment, applications for such a persistent phosphor blend are provided.

Abstract: Fluorescent lamps that comprise a glass envelope with an exterior surface and first and second electrodes located within the glass envelope include a transparent electrically conductive material affixed to the exterior surface of the glass envelope. The transparent electrically conductive material extends between the vicinity of the first electrode and the vicinity of the second electrode, thereby providing a path for an electric current to pass between the first and second electrodes and reduce the open circuit voltage required to start the fluorescent lamp. The transparent electrically conductive material affixed to the exterior surface of the glass envelope can comprise one or more stripes of the material so that less than the total exterior surface area of the glass envelope is covered by the transparent electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A scintillator composition is described, including a matrix material and an activator. The matrix material includes at least one alkali metal or thallium; at least one alkaline earth metal or lead; and at least one halide compound. The activator is usually cerium, praseodymium, or mixtures thereof. Radiation detectors which include the scintillator composition are also described. Methods for detecting high-energy radiation also form part of this disclosure.

Abstract: Scintillator materials based on certain types of activated alkali metal rare earth halide materials are described. In one embodiment, the material contains CsLaBr4 with Ce(III) ions substituted for a portion of the La component. The scintillator or other detector materials can be in monocrystalline or polycrystalline form. Radiation detectors that use the scintillators are also described, as are related methods for detecting high-energy radiation.

Abstract: An electron emissive material comprises an alkaline earth metal halide composition and operable to emit electrons on excitation.

Abstract: A discharge lamp having a starting assembly is provided for use with existing high frequency electronic ballasts. The lamp comprises a light-transmissive envelope and has a discharge sustaining fill of an inert gas mixture of krypton and argon. The starting assembly comprises at least one conductive path attached to the outside or inside surface of the envelope or embedded in the envelope.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp including a phosphor layer comprising a phosphor blend including four or more optimized phosphors emitting within a specific spectral range to optimize luminosity for a given color rendering index (CRI) and color coordinated temperature (CCT). The blend will include at least four phosphors selected from the following: a blue phosphor having an emission peak at 440–490 nm, a blue-green phosphor having an emission peak at 475–525 nm, a green phosphor having an emission peak at 515–550 nm, an orange phosphor having an emission peak from 550–600 nm, a deep red phosphor having an emission peak at 615–665 nm, and a red phosphor having an emission peak at 600–670 nm.

Abstract: Phosphor compositions including those having the formulas A2-xEuxW1-yMoyO6, where A is selected from Y, Gd, Lu, La, and combinations thereof; and where 0.5?x?1.0, 0.01?y?1.0; MmOnX, wherein M is selected from the group of Sc, Y, a lanthanide, an alkali earth metal and mixtures thereof; X is a halogen; 1?m?3; and 1?n?4, and wherein the lanthanide doping level can range from 0.1 to 40% spectral weight; and Eu3+ activated phosphate or borate phosphors. Also disclosed are light emitting devices including a light source and at least one of the above phosphor compositions.

Abstract: A mercury-free discharge composition may be provided. The ionizable mercury-free discharge composition may include gallium and a halogen. The composition may be capable of emitting radiation if excited, and the composition may produce a total equilibrium operating pressure less than about 100,000 Pascals if excited. A mercury-free discharge lamp may be provided. The mercury-free discharge lamp may include an envelope; an ionizable discharge composition including gallium contained by the envelope; and a phosphor composition contained by the envelope and in communication with the ionizable discharge composition.

Abstract: A phosphor comprises europium, at least two alkaline-earth metals, and at least a Group-13 metal. In one embodiment, the phosphor has a formula selected from the group consisting of Sr4-a-zAaEuzD12O22 and Sr4-a-zAaEuzD14O25; wherein A is at least an alkaline-earth metal other than strontium; D is an element selected from the group consisting of Group-13 metals, group-3 metals, and rare-earth metals; 0<a<4; 0.001<z<0.3; and 4-a-z>0. The phosphor can be used in light sources and displays.

Abstract: A phosphor comprises a borate of terbium, at least an alkaline-earth metal, and at least a Group-3 metal. In one embodiment, the phosphor has a formula of A3(D1-xTbx)3(BO3)5; wherein A is at least an alkaline-earth metal selected from the group consisting of calcium, barium, strontium, and magnesium; D is at least a Group-3 metal selected from the group consisting of lanthanum, scandium, and yttrium; and 0<x<0.5. The phosphor can be used in light sources such as those based on mercury discharge or light-emitting diodes and in displays.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp including a phosphor layer comprising a phosphor blend including four or more optimized phosphors emitting within a specific spectral range to optimize luminosity for a given color rendering index (CRI) and color coordinated temperature (CCT). The blend will include at least four phosphors selected from the following: a blue phosphor having an emission peak at 440-490 nm, a blue-green phosphor having an emission peak at 475-525 nm, a green phosphor having an emission peak at 515-550 nm, an orange phosphor having an emission peak from 550-600 nm, a deep red phosphor having an emission peak at 615-665 nm, and a red phosphor having an emission peak at 600-670 nm.

Abstract: A phosphor comprises an oxide that comprises: (a) at least an element selected from the group consisting of phosphorus and boron; (b) at least a metal selected from the group consisting of elements of Group IIIA, elements of Group IVA, and elements of the lanthanide series; which oxide is co-activated with Ce3+ and Tb3+. In one embodiment, a phosphor comprises lanthanum and gadolinium phosphate and/or borate co-activated with cerium and terbium. A phosphor of the present invention has low emission of UV radiation having wavelengths longer than about 250 nm, thus efficiently uses exciting UV having shorter wavelengths. The phosphor is used in light source that comprises a UV radiation source to convert efficiently UV radiation to visible light.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp including a phosphor layer comprising a phosphor blend including four or more optimized phosphors emitting within a specific spectral range to optimize luminosity for a given color rendering index (CRI) and color coordinated temperature (CCT). The blend will include at least four phosphors selected from the following: a blue phosphor having an emission peak at 440-490 nm, a blue-green phosphor having an emission peak at 475-525 nm, a green phosphor having an emission peak at 515-550 nm, an orange phosphor having an emission peak from 550-600 nm, a deep red phosphor having an emission peak at 615-665 nm, and a red phosphor having an emission peak at 600-670 nm.