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.