Erbium has some of the following application.
- Nuclear technology:
Erbium is used in neutron-absorbing control rods in nuclear reactors.
- Colouring agent:
It is used as a colourant in glasses, porcelain and cubic zirconia which is used as a piece of cheap jewellery.
- Used in metallurgy:
Erbium alloying with nickel (Erbium-nickel Alloy) is used in cryocoolers. This alloy has a high specific heat capacity. It is a very useful metallurgical additive.
- Optics and lasers:
Erbium-doped optical silica-glass fibres are part of optical amplifiers which are used in optical communications. It is also used in the manufacturing of fibre lasers.
Who discovered erbium?
Erbium was discovered by Swedish chemist Carl Gustaf Mosander in 1843.
Where is erbium found?
Erbium is a rare earth metal that is very uncommon to find in the free and native state. It could be found in some minerals like gadolinite, xenotime, euxenite and in monazite sand ores. In the earth's crust, it has an average concentration of 2.8mg/kg. China is the main producer and supplier of this element.
What is an erbium laser?
Erbium laser (erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser) is a solid-state laser emitting light of 2940 nm. This light is in the infrared light region. Infrared light is strongly absorbed by the water which makes it a choice for medical uses. It is used in the medical procedure by dermatologists and dentists. It is used for laser resurfacing of human skin, treating acne scarring, deep rhytides, and melasma. It has wide applications in otolaryngology.
When was erbium discovered?
Erbium was discovered by Carl Gustaf Mosander in 1843. It was isolated in 1905 independently by Georges Urbain and Charles James in the form of pure Er2O3.
What is the symbol for erbium?
The chemical symbol for Erbium is ''Er''.
What does erbium look like?
Erbium has a white-silvery metallic appearance.
