Erbium

About Erbium (Er)

Symbol: Er
Atomic number: 68
Atomic mass: 167.259
Element category: Lanthanides

Erbium is a soft, silver‐coloured metal from the Lanthanides group. It exhibits moderate stability in ambient air and oxidises at a slower rate compared to many other Rare Earth Metals. It reacts minimally with water and reacts well with acids. Its quantifiable optical properties have been applied in telecommunication and medical technology.

Properties & Applications of Erbium

Erbium is used as an optical amplifier, primarily in the form of erbium‐doped glasses or crystals. These materials are utilised in laser systems, medical devices and erbium‐doped fibre amplifiers (EDFAs) for long‐haul optical communication.

In nuclear technology, Erbium, particularly in its isotopic form, is employed as a neutron absorber in control rods, thereby contributing to safe reactor operation.

In metallurgy, Erbium is combined with Vanadium as an alloying element to reduce hardness and improve workability. It is also used as a filtering material in photographic applications.

Erbium compounds, such as Erbium oxide (Er₂O₃), exhibit a distinct pink hue. They are used in infrared glass, coloured glazes and infrared‐absorbing applications.

Our Erbium Products at Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM)

Erbium Metal:

• Forms: Powder or customised

• Purity: 3N – 4N

Erbium Compound:

• Erbium Oxide (Er₂O₃) / Erbia: 3N – 5N

Erbium Evaporation Material:

• Erbium (Er)

• Erbium Oxide (Er₂O₃)

• Erbium Fluoride (ErF₃)

For Erbium sputter targets, please visit: //www.sputtertargets.net/erbium.html

Key Advantages

• Wide Applicability: Erbium is used in optical communication, medical technology and nuclear control systems to meet specific performance criteria.

• Telecommunication Performance: Erbium‐doped fibre amplifiers (EDFAs) provide reliable signal amplification over extensive distances.

• Laser Systems: Erbium is a fundamental component in solid‐state lasers for medical, industrial and scientific applications.

• Quality & Purity: Our Erbium products conform to rigorous specifications and operate within defined parameters.

• Technical Support: Our team provides advice on the selection, application and integration of our materials.

• Reliable Logistics: Global delivery is provided, with packaging meeting international standards and full traceability.

Our Range of Erbium Products

• Erbium for Optical Amplifiers – e.g., EDFA components and laser materials

• Erbium Oxide for Optical Fibres and IR Applications

• Metallurgical Additives – to improve metal workability

• Nuclear Technology – used as a neutron absorber in control rods

• Photographic Technology – a filtering material with selective absorption