• Question: Can you tell me a use of Erbium, please.

    Asked by #XxX-420EuanBlazeit-XXxWoahxxx# to Hephzi, Imogen, Jen, Jennifer, Tom on 9 Mar 2015. This question was also asked by Pizza and Pie.
    • Photo: Thomas Barrett

      Thomas Barrett answered on 9 Mar 2015:

      A quick search on the internet shows:
      Used in nuclear technology in neutron-absorbing control rods. So it helps control the power plant.

      Erbium oxide has a pink color, and is sometimes used as a colorant for glass, cubic zirconia and porcelain.

    • Photo: Hephzi Tagoe

      Hephzi Tagoe answered on 9 Mar 2015:

      If you’ve ever come across welders or people working with metal, the glasses they wear usually has a pinkish colour. This is due to Erbium added to the glass during the manufacturing process.
      You can also find this in some sun glasses.
      Also, fibre optic cables have erbium included in the glass fibre to help amplify the broadband signal.
      Here’s a good reference http://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/68/erbium

    • Photo: Jennifer Rudd

      Jennifer Rudd answered on 9 Mar 2015:

      It’s also used in the lasers used for laser surgery.

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