US5549843A — Annealed alkaline earth metal fluorohalide storag…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 215 words

A method for preparing a storage phosphor comprising the steps of: firing, at a temperature greater than 700° C., a combination of species including species characterized by the relationship: MFX.sub.1-z I.sub.z.uM.sup.a X.sup.a :yA:eQ wherein M is selected from Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba, and combinations thereof; X is selected from Cl and Br, and combinations thereof; M a is selected from Na, K, Rb and Cs, and combinations thereof; X a is selected from F, Cl, Br and I, and combinations thereof; A is selected from Eu, Ce, Sin, and Tb, and combinations thereof; Q is selected from the group consisting of BeO, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, ZnO, Al 2 O 3 , La 2 O 3 , In 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 , GeO 2 , SnO 2 , Nb 2 O 5 , Ta 2 O 5 , and ThO 2 , and combinations thereof; and 0<z<1; 0<u<1; 0<y<0.1; and 0<e<0.1 to produce an intermediate product; and annealing said intermediate product in a slightly oxidizing atmosphere and at a temperature lower than said temperature of said firing and between about 400° C. and about 800° C., for a time sufficient to reduce the erase fraction (EF) relative to the same phosphor produced without said annealing.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 215 words

A method for preparing a storage phosphor comprising the steps of: firing, at a temperature greater than 700° C., a combination of species including species characterized by the relationship: MFX.sub.1-z I.sub.z.uM.sup.a X.sup.a :yA:eQ wherein M is selected from Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba, and combinations thereof; X is selected from Cl and Br, and combinations thereof; M a is selected from Na, K, Rb and Cs, and combinations thereof; X a is selected from F, Cl, Br and I, and combinations thereof; A is selected from Eu, Ce, Sin, and Tb, and combinations thereof; Q is selected from the group consisting of BeO, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, ZnO, Al 2 O 3 , La 2 O 3 , In 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 , GeO 2 , SnO 2 , Nb 2 O 5 , Ta 2 O 5 , and ThO 2 , and combinations thereof; and 0<z<1; 0<u<1; 0<y<0.1; and 0<e<0.1 to produce an intermediate product; and annealing said intermediate product in a slightly oxidizing atmosphere and at a temperature lower than said temperature of said firing and between about 400° C. and about 800° C., for a time sufficient to reduce the erase fraction (EF) relative to the same phosphor produced without said annealing.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 1 wherein said slightly oxidizing atmosphere has from about 10 to about 200 parts per million of oxygen.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method of claim 1 wherein said firing is in an atmosphere has from about 10 to about 125 parts per million of oxygen.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 1 wherein said annealing is at a temperature from about 500° to about 750° C.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 1 wherein said firing is at a temperature from about 750° to about 950° C.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 1 wherein said firing is at a temperature from about 800° to about 950° C.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 1 wherein said slightly oxidizing atmosphere has from about 75 to about 125 parts per million of oxygen.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 1 wherein said annealing is for a time period of from about 0.5 to about 100 hours.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method of claim 1 wherein said firing and said annealing are each in an atmosphere having from about 10 to about 125 parts per million of oxygen.

Claim 11

Independent Claim 323 words

A method for preparing a storage phosphor comprising the steps of: firing, at a temperature greater than 700° C., a combination of species is characterized by the relationship: (Ba.sub.1-a-b-c Mg.sub.a Ca.sub.b Sr.sub.c)FX.sub.1-z I.sub.z.rM.sup.a X.sup.a :yA:eQ:tD:dE wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Cl and Br, and combinations thereof; M a is selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Rb and Cs, and combinations thereof; X a is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, and Br, and combinations thereof; A is selected from the group consisting of Eu, Ce, Sin, and Tb, and combinations thereof; Q is selected from the group consisting of BeO, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, ZnO, Al 2 O 3 , La 2 O 3 , In 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 , GeO 2 , SnO 2 , Nb 2 O 5 , Ta 2 O 5 , and ThO 2 , and combinations thereof; D is selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni, and combinations thereof; E is an oxosulfur reducing agent selected from the group consisting of compounds and salts having a moiety or ion of the general formula S j O k , where j and k are positive integers such that 0.25<j/k<1.0, and combinations thereof; a+b+c is from 0 to 0.4; z is from 1×10 -2 to 1; r is from 1×10 -6 to 0.1; y is from 1×10 -4 to 0.1; e is from 1×10 -5 to 0.1; t is from 0 to 10 2 ; and d is from 0 to 0.020 to produce an intermediate product; and annealing said intermediate product in a slightly oxidizing atmosphere and at a temperature lower than said temperature of said firing and between about 400° C. and about 800° C., for a time sufficient to reduce the erase fraction (EF) relative to the same phosphor produced without said annealing.

Claim 12

Independent Claim 323 words

A method for preparing a storage phosphor comprising the steps of: firing, at a temperature greater than 700° C., a combination of species is characterized by the relationship: (Ba.sub.1-a-b-c Mg.sub.a Ca.sub.b Sr.sub.c)FX.sub.1-z I.sub.z.rM.sup.a X.sup.a :yA:eQ:tD:dE wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Cl and Br, and combinations thereof; M a is selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Rb and Cs, and combinations thereof; X a is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, and Br, and combinations thereof; A is selected from the group consisting of Eu, Ce, Sin, and Tb, and combinations thereof; Q is selected from the group consisting of BeO, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, ZnO, Al 2 O 3 , La 2 O 3 , In 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 , GeO 2 , SnO 2 , Nb 2 O 5 , Ta 2 O 5 , and ThO 2 , and combinations thereof; D is selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni, and combinations thereof; E is an oxosulfur reducing agent selected from the group consisting of compounds and salts having a moiety or ion of the general formula S j O k , where j and k are positive integers such that 0.25<j/k<1.0, and combinations thereof; a+b+c is from 0 to 0.4; z is from 1×10 -2 to 1; r is from 1×10 -6 to 0.1; y is from 1×10 -4 to 0.1; e is from 1×10 -5 to 0.1; t is from 0 to 10 2 ; and d is from 0 to 0.020 to produce an intermediate product; and annealing said intermediate product in a slightly oxidizing atmosphere and at a temperature lower than said temperature of said firing and between about 400° C. and about 800° C., for a time sufficient to reduce the erase fraction (EF) relative to the same phosphor produced without said annealing.

Claim 13

Independent Claim 225 words

A method for preparing a storage phosphor comprising the steps of: firing, at a temperature greater than 700° C., a combination of species is characterized by the relationship: (Ba.sub.1-a-b-c Mg.sub.a Ca.sub.b Sr.sub.c)FBr.sub.1-z I.sub.z.rM.sup.a X.sup.a :yEu:eQ:dE wherein M a is selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Rb and Cs, and combinations thereof; X a is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, and Br, and combinations thereof; Q is selected from the group consisting of Al 2 O 3 and SiO 2 , and combinations thereof.; E is an oxosulfur reducing agent selected from the group consisting of compounds and salts having a moiety or ion of the general formula S j O k , where j and k are positive integers such that 0.25<j/k<1.0, and combinations thereof; a+b+c is from 0 to 0.04; z is from 0.05 to 0.5; r is from 10 -4 to 0.01; y is from 1×10 -4 to 0.1; e is from 1×10 -5 to 0.01; and d is from 1×10 -4 to 0.020 to produce an intermediate product; and annealing said intermediate product in a slightly oxidizing atmosphere and at a temperature lower than said temperature of said firing and between about 400° C. and about 800° C., for a time sufficient to reduce the erase fraction (EF) relative to the same phosphor produced without said annealing.

Claim 14

Independent Claim 225 words

A method for preparing a storage phosphor comprising the steps of: firing, at a temperature greater than 700° C., a combination of species is characterized by the relationship: (Ba.sub.1-a-b-c Mg.sub.a Ca.sub.b Sr.sub.c)FBr.sub.1-z I.sub.z.rM.sup.a X.sup.a :yEu:eQ:dE wherein M a is selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Rb and Cs, and combinations thereof; X a is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, and Br, and combinations thereof; Q is selected from the group consisting of Al 2 O 3 and SiO 2 , and combinations thereof.; E is an oxosulfur reducing agent selected from the group consisting of compounds and salts having a moiety or ion of the general formula S j O k , where j and k are positive integers such that 0.25<j/k<1.0, and combinations thereof; a+b+c is from 0 to 0.04; z is from 0.05 to 0.5; r is from 10 -4 to 0.01; y is from 1×10 -4 to 0.1; e is from 1×10 -5 to 0.01; and d is from 1×10 -4 to 0.020 to produce an intermediate product; and annealing said intermediate product in a slightly oxidizing atmosphere and at a temperature lower than said temperature of said firing and between about 400° C. and about 800° C., for a time sufficient to reduce the erase fraction (EF) relative to the same phosphor produced without said annealing.

Claim 15

Independent Claim 353 words

A method for preparing a storage phosphor comprising the steps of: firing, in an atmosphere of inert gas and from 0 to about 200 parts per million of oxygen, at a temperature from about 750° C. to about 950° C., combination of species is characterized by the relationship: (Ba.sub.1-a-b-c Mg.sub.a Ca.sub.b Sr.sub.c)FX.sub.1-z I.sub.z.rM.sup.a X.sup.a :yA:eQ:tD:dE wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Cl and Br, and combinations thereof; M a is selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Rb and Cs, and combinations thereof; X a is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, and Br, and combinations thereof; A is selected from the group consisting of Eu, Ce, Sm, and Tb, and combinations thereof; Q is selected from the group consisting of BeO, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, ZnO, Al 2 O 3 , La 2 O 3 , In 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 , GeO 2 , SnO 2 , Nb 2 O 5 , Ta 2 O 5 , and ThO 2 , and combinations thereof; D is selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni, and combinations thereof; E is an oxosulfur reducing agent selected from the group consisting of compounds and salts having a moiety or ion of the general formula S j O k , where j and k are positive integers such that 0.25<j/k<1.0, and combinations thereof; a+b+c is from 0 to 0.4; z is from 1×10 -2 to 1; r is from 1×10 -6 to 0.1; y is from 1×10 -4 to 0.1; c is from 1×10 -5 to 0.1; t is from 0 to 10 -2 ; and d is from 0 to 0.020 to produce an intermediate product; and annealing said intermediate product, in an atmosphere of inert gas and from about 10 to about 200 parts per million of oxygen, at a temperature lower than said temperature of said firing and between about 400° C. and about 800° C., for a time sufficient to deplete iodide relative to the iodide concentration of said combination of species.

Claim 16

Independent Claim 353 words

A method for preparing a storage phosphor comprising the steps of: firing, in an atmosphere of inert gas and from 0 to about 200 parts per million of oxygen, at a temperature from about 750° C. to about 950° C., combination of species is characterized by the relationship: (Ba.sub.1-a-b-c Mg.sub.a Ca.sub.b Sr.sub.c)FX.sub.1-z I.sub.z.rM.sup.a X.sup.a :yA:eQ:tD:dE wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Cl and Br, and combinations thereof; M a is selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Rb and Cs, and combinations thereof; X a is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, and Br, and combinations thereof; A is selected from the group consisting of Eu, Ce, Sm, and Tb, and combinations thereof; Q is selected from the group consisting of BeO, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, ZnO, Al 2 O 3 , La 2 O 3 , In 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 , GeO 2 , SnO 2 , Nb 2 O 5 , Ta 2 O 5 , and ThO 2 , and combinations thereof; D is selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni, and combinations thereof; E is an oxosulfur reducing agent selected from the group consisting of compounds and salts having a moiety or ion of the general formula S j O k , where j and k are positive integers such that 0.25<j/k<1.0, and combinations thereof; a+b+c is from 0 to 0.4; z is from 1×10 -2 to 1; r is from 1×10 -6 to 0.1; y is from 1×10 -4 to 0.1; c is from 1×10 -5 to 0.1; t is from 0 to 10 -2 ; and d is from 0 to 0.020 to produce an intermediate product; and annealing said intermediate product, in an atmosphere of inert gas and from about 10 to about 200 parts per million of oxygen, at a temperature lower than said temperature of said firing and between about 400° C. and about 800° C., for a time sufficient to deplete iodide relative to the iodide concentration of said combination of species.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 37 words

The method of claim 12 wherein said annealing is for a time sufficient to deplete iodide to the extent of from 2×10 -4 to 2×10 -2 iodide atoms depleted per formula weight of said combination of species.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 224 words

An annealed storage phosphor consisting essentially of oxygen and a combination of species characterized by the relationship: (Ba.sub.1-a-b-c Mg.sub.a Ca.sub.b Sr.sub.c)FX.sub.1-z I.sub.z-2x.rM.sup.a X.sub.a :yA:eQ:tD:dS wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Cl and Br, and combinations thereof; M a is selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Rb and Cs, and combinations thereof; X a is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, and Br, and combinations thereof; A is selected from the group consisting of Eu, Ce, Sin, and Tb, and combinations thereof; Q is selected from the group consisting of BeO, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, ZnO, Al 2 O 3 , La 2 O 3 , In 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 , GeO 2 , SnO 2 , Nb 2 O 5 , Ta 2 O 5 , and ThO 2 , and combinations thereof; D is selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni, and combinations thereof; a+b+c is from 0 to 0.4; z is from 1×10 -2 to 1; x is from 1×10 -4 to 1×10 -2 ; r is from 0 to 0.1; y is from 1×10 -4 to 0.1; e is from 1×10 -5 to 0.1; t is from 0 to 10 -2 ; and d' is from 0 to 0.020.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 224 words

An annealed storage phosphor consisting essentially of oxygen and a combination of species characterized by the relationship: (Ba.sub.1-a-b-c Mg.sub.a Ca.sub.b Sr.sub.c)FX.sub.1-z I.sub.z-2x.rM.sup.a X.sub.a :yA:eQ:tD:dS wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Cl and Br, and combinations thereof; M a is selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Rb and Cs, and combinations thereof; X a is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, and Br, and combinations thereof; A is selected from the group consisting of Eu, Ce, Sin, and Tb, and combinations thereof; Q is selected from the group consisting of BeO, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, ZnO, Al 2 O 3 , La 2 O 3 , In 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 , GeO 2 , SnO 2 , Nb 2 O 5 , Ta 2 O 5 , and ThO 2 , and combinations thereof; D is selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni, and combinations thereof; a+b+c is from 0 to 0.4; z is from 1×10 -2 to 1; x is from 1×10 -4 to 1×10 -2 ; r is from 0 to 0.1; y is from 1×10 -4 to 0.1; e is from 1×10 -5 to 0.1; t is from 0 to 10 -2 ; and d' is from 0 to 0.020.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 192 words

The phosphor of claim 14 further characterized as the product of: (1) firing at a temperature between about 750° C. and about 950° C. a combination of species characterized by the relationship: (Ba.sub.1-a-b-c Mg.sub.a Ca.sub.b Sr.sub.c)FX.sub.1-z I.sub.z.rM.sup.a X.sup.a :yA:eQ:tD:dE wherein X, M a , X a , A, Q, D, a, b, c, z, r, y, e, and t have the same meanings as in claim 14, E is an oxosulfur reducing agent selected from the group consisting of compounds and salts having a moiety or ion of the general formula S j O k , where j and k are positive integers such that 0.25<j/k<1.0, and combinations thereof, and d is from 0 to 0.020; to produce a fired product; and (2) annealing said fired product in an atmosphere having from about 10 to about 200 parts per million of oxygen at a temperature lower than said temperature of said firing and between about 500° C. and about 750° C., for a time sufficient to reduce the erase fraction of resulting said storage phosphor relative to the erase fraction of a storage phosphor produced by said firing and without said annealing.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 221 words

A storage phosphor consisting essentially of a combination of species characterized by the relationship: (Ba.sub.1-a-b-c Mg.sub.a Ca.sub.b Sr.sub.c)FX.sub.1-z I.sub.z-2x O.sub.x.rM.sup.a X.sup.a :yA:eQ:tD:d'S wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Cl and Br, and combinations thereof; M a is selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Rb and Cs, and combinations thereof; X a is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, and Br, and combinations thereof; A is selected from the group consisting of Eu, Ce, Sm, and Tb, and combinations thereof; Q is selected from the group consisting of BcO, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, ZnO, Al 2 O 3 , La 2 O 3 , In 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 , GeO 2 , SnO 2 , Nb 2 O 5 , Ta 2 O 5 , and ThO 2 , and combinations thereof; D is selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni, and combinations thereof; a+b+c is from 0 to 0.4; z is from 1×10 -2 to 1; x is from 1×10 -4 to 1×10 -2 ; r is from 0 to 0.1; y is from 1×10 -4 to 0.1; e is from 0 to 0.1; t is from 0 to 10 -2 ; and d is from 0 to 0.020.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 221 words

A storage phosphor consisting essentially of a combination of species characterized by the relationship: (Ba.sub.1-a-b-c Mg.sub.a Ca.sub.b Sr.sub.c)FX.sub.1-z I.sub.z-2x O.sub.x.rM.sup.a X.sup.a :yA:eQ:tD:d'S wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Cl and Br, and combinations thereof; M a is selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Rb and Cs, and combinations thereof; X a is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, and Br, and combinations thereof; A is selected from the group consisting of Eu, Ce, Sm, and Tb, and combinations thereof; Q is selected from the group consisting of BcO, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, ZnO, Al 2 O 3 , La 2 O 3 , In 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 , GeO 2 , SnO 2 , Nb 2 O 5 , Ta 2 O 5 , and ThO 2 , and combinations thereof; D is selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni, and combinations thereof; a+b+c is from 0 to 0.4; z is from 1×10 -2 to 1; x is from 1×10 -4 to 1×10 -2 ; r is from 0 to 0.1; y is from 1×10 -4 to 0.1; e is from 0 to 0.1; t is from 0 to 10 -2 ; and d is from 0 to 0.020.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 214 words

The storage phosphor of claim 16 further characterized as consisting essentially of a combination of species characterized by the relationship: (Ba.sub.1-a-b-c Mg.sub.a C.sub.b Sr.sub.c)FBr.sub.1-z I.sub.z-2x O.sub.x.rM.sup.a X.sup.a :yA:eQ:tD:d'S wherein M a is selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Rb and Cs, and combinations thereof; X a is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, and Br, and combinations thereof; A is selected from the group consisting of Eu, Ce, Sm, and Tb, and combinations thereof; Q is selected from the group consisting of BeO, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, ZnO, Al 2 O 3 , La 2 O 3 , In 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 , GeO 2 , SnO 2 , Nb 2 O 5 , Ta 2 O 5 , and ThO 2 and combinations thereof; D is selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni, and combinations thereof; a+b+c is from 0 to 0.04; z is from 1×10 -4 to 1; x is from 1×10 -4 to 1×10 -2 ; r is from 10 -6 to 0.1; y is from 1×10 -4 to 0.1; e is from 1×10 -5 to 0.1; t is from 0 to 10 -2 ; and d' is from 0 to 0.020.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 43 words

The storage phosphor of claim 17 wherein A is Eu, r is from 10 -4 to 0.01; t is 0; e is 0.01; z is from 0.05 to 0.5; and a and c are 0 and b is from about 0.001 to 0.04.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 121 words

The storage phosphor of claim 16 further characterized as consisting essentially of a combination of species characterized by the relationship: (Ba.sub.1-a-b-c Mg.sub.a Ca.sub.b Sr.sub.c)FBr.sub.1-z O.sub.z-2x O.sub.x.rM.sup.a X.sup.a :YEu:eQ:d'S wherein M a is selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Rb and Cs, and combinations thereof; X a is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, and Br, and combinations thereof; Q is selected from the group consisting of Al 2 O 3 and SiO 2 , and combinations thereof; a+b+c is from 0 to 0.04; z is from 0.05 to 0.5; r is from 10 -4 to0.01; y is from 1×10 -4 to 0.1; e is from 1×10 -5 to 0.01; and d' is from 1×10 -4 to 0.020.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 44 words

A radiographic image storage panel comprising a support and a fluorescent layer including crystals of said storage phosphor of claim 14, said crystals being capable of absorbing X-ray radiation and emitting longer wavelength electromagnetic radiation in response to stimulating radiation of a third wavelength.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 241 words

A storage phosphor consisting essentially of a combination of species characterized by the relationship: (Ba.sub.1-a-b-c Mg.sub.a Ca.sub.b Sr.sub.c)FX.sub.1-z I.sub.z.rM.sup.a X.sup.a :yA:eQ:tD:d'S wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Cl and Br, and combinations thereof; M a is selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Rb and Cs, and combinations thereof; X a is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, and Br, and combinations thereof; A is selected from the group consisting of Eu, Ce, Sm, and Tb, and combinations thereof; Q is selected from the group consisting of BeO, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, ZnO, Al 2 O 3 , La 2 O 3 , In 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 , GeO 2 , SnO 2 , Nb 2 O 5 , Ta 2 O 5 , and ThO 2 , and combinations thereof; D is selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni, and combinations thereof; a+b+c is from 0 to 0.4; z is from 1×10 -2 to 1; z' is slightly less than z; r is from 0 to 0.1; y is from 1×10 -4 to 0.1; e is from 0 to 0.1; t is from 0 to 10 -2 ; and d' is from 0 to 0.020; said phosphor exhibiting luminescence peaks, upon excitation by a 514.5 nm laser beam, at 573.4, 576.1,580.8, 590.2, 611.7, 616.5, 630.6 nm (all ±0.5 nm).

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 241 words

A storage phosphor consisting essentially of a combination of species characterized by the relationship: (Ba.sub.1-a-b-c Mg.sub.a Ca.sub.b Sr.sub.c)FX.sub.1-z I.sub.z.rM.sup.a X.sup.a :yA:eQ:tD:d'S wherein X is selected from the group consisting of Cl and Br, and combinations thereof; M a is selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Rb and Cs, and combinations thereof; X a is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, and Br, and combinations thereof; A is selected from the group consisting of Eu, Ce, Sm, and Tb, and combinations thereof; Q is selected from the group consisting of BeO, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, ZnO, Al 2 O 3 , La 2 O 3 , In 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 , GeO 2 , SnO 2 , Nb 2 O 5 , Ta 2 O 5 , and ThO 2 , and combinations thereof; D is selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni, and combinations thereof; a+b+c is from 0 to 0.4; z is from 1×10 -2 to 1; z' is slightly less than z; r is from 0 to 0.1; y is from 1×10 -4 to 0.1; e is from 0 to 0.1; t is from 0 to 10 -2 ; and d' is from 0 to 0.020; said phosphor exhibiting luminescence peaks, upon excitation by a 514.5 nm laser beam, at 573.4, 576.1,580.8, 590.2, 611.7, 616.5, 630.6 nm (all ±0.5 nm).

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 107 words

The phosphor of claim 21 further characterized as the product of: maintaining in a slightly oxidizing, slightly reducing, or inert atmosphere at a temperature between about 750° C. and about 950° C. a combination of species substantially characterized by said relationship to produce an intermediate product; and annealing said intermediate product in an atmosphere having from about 10 to about 200 parts per million of oxygen at a temperature lower than said temperature of said firing and between about 500° C. and about 750° C., for a time sufficient to reduce the erase fraction of said storage phosphor relative to the same phosphor produced without said annealing.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1999-08-27	2000-02-26	2000-08-27	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2003-08-27	2004-02-26	2004-08-27	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2007-08-27	2008-02-26	2008-08-27	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Annealed alkaline earth metal fluorohalide storage phosphor, preparation method, and radiation image storage panel

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