Method and apparatus for microwave phosphor synthesis

A microwave furnace for continuous microwave synthesis of phosphors comprising:

• a tube for receiving a phosphor starting material, wherein the tube includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the tube is rotatable around a central axis of the tube;
• an insulator having a throughbore, wherein the tube extends therethrough;
• a microwave chamber for receiving the tube and the insulator, wherein the tube, the insulator, and the microwave chamber are in substantially parallel relation to each other and wherein:
• the tube is substantially horizontally positioned to allow the phosphor starting material to move substantially horizontally along the tube from the first end to the second end thereof during synthesis of the starting material therein;
• or
• the tube is tilted to facilitate the movement of the phosphor starting material via gravity along the tube from the first end to the second end thereof during synthesis of the starting material therein;
• and
• at least one microwave head for directing microwaves into the microwave chamber.