Overview
Erbium is a rare earth metal widely used as a dopant in fiber optic amplifiers and lasers for telecommunications.
Properties
It exhibits +3 oxidation state and provides emission at wavelengths ideal for optical communications around 1.5 -m.
Occurrence and Uses
Key use as erbium doped fiber amplifiers EDFAs, in lasers, glass coloring and metallurgical applications.
Isotopes and Safety
Stable isotopes include Er 166 to Er 170; erbium compounds are of low acute toxicity and handled with routine precautions.