3200 ANGSTROM PHOSPHOR

The objective of the contract is to conduct a research and development program leading to the production of a cathodoluminescent phosphor which emits with high efficiency in the spectral region around 3200 A. The phosphor is to be incorporated into very high resolution cathode-ray tubes with fiber optic faceplates for data recording on UV sensitive, dry-process film. Primary emphasis during this period was given to the development of Zn2SiO4:TiO2 for the purpose of producing a phosphor to replace P-16 in tubes designed to emit at 3800 A. The best sample prepared gave an efficiency twice that of P-16 at high excitation densities, showed a maintenance two to three orders of magnitude better than P-16, and had a radiative decay time of 3.8 microsec. Efficiency and maintenance measurements were made on the best samples of beta-CaSiO3:Pb and BaSi2O5:Pb. A considerable effort was expended in attempts to prepare luminescent thallium-doped BaSi2O5 without success; a change in furnace design is expected to alter this situation in the next period. A preliminary sample of BaZnSi4O10:Pb has been prepared and found to emit at 3250 A. (Author)