Abstract: A lamp having improved color quality scale is provided. The lamp has a light-transmissive envelope and a phosphor layer comprising a first phosphor and a second phosphor wherein the first phosphor has an emission band with a maximum between 590 nm and 670 nm and the second phosphor has an emission band with a maximum between 520 nm and 570 nm. The light generated by the phosphor layer, when the lamp is energized, has delta chroma values for fifteen color samples of the color quality scale within select parameters. The delta chroma values are measured in the CIE LAB color space.

Abstract: This disclosure features a persistent phosphor having the following formula I: Sra,Cab,BacAl2-m-n-o-pOd:Euy,REz,Bm,Znn,Coo,Scp??I where a and b each range from about 0.3 to about 0.7; c is between about 0 and about 0.1; 0.75?a+b+c+y+z?1.3; y is between about 0.0005 and about 0.1; RE is any rare earth element alone or in combination; z is between about 0.0005 and about 0.15; m is between about 0.0005 and about 0.30; n is between about 0 and about 0.10; o is between about 0 and about 0.01; p is between about 0 and about 0.10 and d ranges from about 3.945 to about 4.075. Once the persistent phosphor has been excited it appears white in an absence of ambient light. Also featured is an article of manufacture that includes the phosphor.

Abstract: This disclosure features a blend, or use together in at least two layers of an article of manufacture, of a first persistent phosphor, a second persistent phosphor and a third phosphor. The first persistent phosphor has a formula I: Cax-y-z-aAaAl2-m-n-o-pOd:Euy,REz,Bm,Znn,Coo,Scp??I where the variables are defined in the disclosure. The second persistent phosphor has a formula II: Srx-y-z-aAaAl14-m-n-o-pOd:Euy,REz,Bm,Znn,Coo,Scp??II where the variables are defined in the disclosure. The third phosphor is a non-persistent phosphor that is excited at a wavelength in a range of 300-500 nm. Also featured is an article of manufacture including the blend or the phosphors present in at least two layers. Once the blend or layered structure comprising the three phosphors has been excited it can appear white in an absence of ambient light.

Abstract: A lamp having improved color quality scale is provided. The lamp has a light-transmissive envelope and a phosphor layer comprising a first phosphor and a second phosphor wherein the first phosphor has an emission band with a maximum between 590 nm and 640 nm and the second phosphor has an emission band with a maximum between 520 nm and 570 nm. The light generated by the phosphor layer, when the lamp is energized, has delta chroma values for all fifteen color samples of the color quality scale within select parameters. The delta chroma values are measured in the CIE LAB color space.

Abstract: This disclosure features a persistent phosphor having the following formula I: Sra,Cab,BacAl2-m-n-o-pOd:Euy,REz,Bm,Znn,Coo,Scp??I where a and b each range from about 0.3 to about 0.7; c is between about 0 and about 0.1; 0.75?a+b+c+y+z?1.3; y is between about 0.0005 and about 0.1; RE is any rare earth element alone or in combination; z is between about 0.0005 and about 0.15; m is between about 0.0005 and about 0.30; n is between about 0 and about 0.10; o is between about 0 and about 0.01; p is between about 0 and about 0.10 and d ranges from about 3.945 to about 4.075. Once the persistent phosphor has been excited it appears white in an absence of ambient light. Also featured is an article of manufacture that includes the phosphor.

Abstract: This disclosure features a blend, or use together in at least two layers of an article of manufacture, of a first persistent phosphor, a second persistent phosphor and a third phosphor. The first persistent phosphor has a formula I: Cax-y-z-aAaAl2-m-n-o-pOd:Euy,REz,Bm,Znn,Coo,Scp??I where the variables are defined in the disclosure. The second persistent phosphor has a formula II: Srx-y-z-aAaAl14-m-n-o-pOd:Euy,REz,Bm,Znn,Coo,Scp??II where the variables are defined in the disclosure. The third phosphor is a non-persistent phosphor that is excited at a wavelength in a range of 300-500 nm. Also featured is an article of manufacture including the blend or the phosphors present in at least two layers. Once the blend or layered structure comprising the three phosphors has been excited it can appear white in an absence of ambient light.

Abstract: A long-lived phosphor composition is provided, along with methods for making and using the composition. More specifically, in one embodiment, the phosphor comprises a material having a formula of Ax-y-zAl2-m-n-o-pO4:Euy, REz, Bm, Znn, Coo, Scp. In this formula, A may be Ba, Sr, Ca, or a combination of these metals, x is between about 0.75 and 1.3, y is between about 0.0005 and 0.1, z is between about 0.0005 and 0.1, m is between about 0.0005 and 0.30, n is between about 0.0005 and 0.10, o is between about 0 and 0.01 and p is between about 0 and 0.05. RE is Dy, Nd, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, methods are provided for making persistent phosphors comprising the formulations above. Other embodiments provide applications for such a phosphor, comprising uses in toys, emergency equipment, clothing, and instrument panels, among others.

Abstract: A low-wattage mercury vapor discharge fluorescent lamp is provided. The lamp has a discharge sustaining fill of mercury vapor and an inert gas having 1-100 mole % xenon, balance comprising a rare gas or rare gas mixture, such as krypton or argon. The fill gas has a total pressure of 0.5-4 torr, and the lamp being adapted to operate below 10 watts per foot of arc length.

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 long-lived phosphor composition is provided, along with methods for making and using the composition. More specifically, in one embodiment, the phosphor comprises a material having a formula of Ax-y-zAl2-m-n-o-pO4:Euy, REz, Bm, Znn, Coo, Scp. In this formula, A may be Ba, Sr, Ca, or a combination of these metals, x is between about 0.75 and 1.3, y is between about 0.0005 and 0.1, z is between about 0.0005 and 0.1, m is between about 0.0005 and 0.30, n is between about 0.0005 and 0.10, o is between about 0 and 0.01 and p is between about 0 and 0.05. RE is Dy, Nd, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, methods are provided for making persistent phosphors comprising the formulations above. Other embodiments provide applications for such a phosphor, comprising uses in toys, emergency equipment, clothing, and instrument panels, among others.

Abstract: A lamp having improved color quality scale is provided. The lamp has a light-transmissive envelope and a phosphor layer comprising a first phosphor and a second phosphor wherein the first phosphor has an emission band with a maximum between 590 nm and 670 nm and the second phosphor has an emission band with a maximum between 520 nm and 570 nm. The light generated by the phosphor layer, when the lamp is energized, has delta chroma values for fifteen color samples of the color quality scale within select parameters. The delta chroma values are measured in the CIE LAB color space.

Abstract: A lamp having improved color quality scale is provided. The lamp has a light-transmissive envelope and a phosphor layer comprising a first phosphor and a second phosphor wherein the first phosphor has an emission band with a maximum between 590 nm and 640 nm and the second phosphor has an emission band with a maximum between 520 nm and 570 nm. The light generated by the phosphor layer, when the lamp is energized, has delta chroma values for all fifteen color samples of the color quality scale within select parameters. The delta chroma values are measured in the CIE LAB color space.

Abstract: A low-wattage mercury vapor discharge fluorescent lamp is provided. The lamp has a discharge sustaining fill of mercury vapor and an inert gas having 1-100 mole % xenon, balance comprising a rare gas or rare gas mixture, such as krypton or argon. The fill gas has a total pressure of 0.5-4 torr, and the lamp being adapted to operate below 10 watts per foot of arc length.

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 green-emitting phosphor is provided, which has the general formula LnxBO3: Ce3+y, Tb3+z, where Ln includes one or more lanthanide-type elements, such as Sc, Y, La, Gd, and Lu. x+y+z=1; 0≦x≦0.98; 0≦y≦0.5; and 0≦z≦0.5. The phosphor efficiently converts light in the UV/blue region of the spectrum (250-400 nm) to light of longer wavelength, with a peak emission intensity of about 545 nm. The phosphor is used alone, or in a phosphor blend for converting UV/blue light from a GaN-base light emitting diode to green or white light, respectively.

Abstract: A quantum splitting oxide phosphor is described for use with VUV radiation. The oxide material has an atomic ratio, comprising: Sr.sub.1-X Pr.sub.X Al.sub.12-X Mg.sub.X O.sub.19 ; where 0<X.ltoreq.0.20. The material is stable and compatible for use as a phosphor with VUV radiation created by Hg vapor discharge.

Abstract: A quantum splitting oxide phospor is described for use with VUV radiation. The oxide material has an atomic ratio, comprising: La.sub.1-X Pr.sub.X MgB.sub.5 O.sub.10 ; where 0<X.ltoreq.0.20. The material is stable and compatible for use as a phosphor with VUV radiation created by Hg vapor discharge.

Abstract: A class of non-stoichiometric class of cerium and terbium co-activated magnesium aluminate phosphors is disclosed which are particularly useful in low pressure type fluorescent lamps. Said phosphor materials can be further combined with other phosphors to produce white color illumination in said type lamps. A general method for preparation of said phosphor materials is disclosed wherein the emission characteristics can be regulated to advantage.

Abstract: A class of non-stoichiometric class of cerium and terbium co-activated magnesium aluminate phosphors is disclosed which are particularly useful in low pressure type fluorescent lamps. Said phosphor materials can be further combined with other phosphors to produce white color illumination in said type lamps. A general method for preparation of said phosphor materials is disclosed wherein the emission characteristics can be regulated to advantage.