Erbium: history, properties, and fiber optic applications

Metallic Element Erbium

Erbium: The Metal and Its Uses

This paper explores the metallic element erbium, which prior to the use of fiber optic communication systems and "Wi Fi" communications received little attention. Considered a rare element, erbium while typically gray in color also contains pink compounds, making it useful as an addition to glass or porcelain products aesthetically. For one to appreciate the real value erbium has to offer one must understand its history, physical properties and availability. The paper begins by a discussion of the history of erbium followed by an overview of its physical properties, uses and functions.

Who Discovered/When

Erbium is one of many elements listed in the periodic table, a metallic chemical element specifically (Columbia 15785). Symbolized by the abbreviation Er, most credit the discovery of this element to a scientist named Carl G. Mosander, who although did not isolate the element, located it and separated it from "three oxide fractions" (Columbia 15785). It was not until 1934 that pure erbium was isolated from it's fractions by other scientists (Columbia 15785) allowing for greater exploration into its uses for commercial purposes.

Companies Involved in Preparation and Sale

The use of erbium lasers is becoming increasingly popular as many companies utilize this technology to enhance appearance and for skin resurfacing, in part due to the advent of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers, described below. Examples of companies that prepare the compound include Jiangsu Hongyuan Textile Machinery Co. Ltd., located at 11 Liagxi Road, Wuxi Jiangsu Province, China (Alibaba).

Another company not surprisingly located in China includes the Zhejiang Ante Meter Co., Ltd., located in the Ante Industrial Park, Wenxi, Qungtian, and Lishui City, Zhejiang, China (Alibaba).

Other companies including Ciena prepare erbium in-house for commercial purposes including configuration for optical amplifiers, as does Southampton Photonics', forged from the Optoelectronics Research Centre at the Southampton University (Optical Keyhole).

Within Southampton multiple companies exist including Sensor Dynamics and Pirelli that have factories near Eastleigh, U.K. (Optical Keyhole).

Methods of Preparation & Uses

Because erbium is a rare metallic element, historically scientists found it difficult to separate the erbium from its ores. Modern technology however has enabled ion-exchange techniques allowing manufacturers to prepare erbium for commercial purposes (Wiki 1).

There are many commercial and non-commercial purposes for erbium today. Its uses include use as a photographic filter and "as a dopant in fiber optic laser amplifiers" (Wiki 1; Mears et al. 1026). A compound of erbium, "erbium oxide" is often pink in color and has various uses commercially including coloring glass or porcelain products (Wiki 1). Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers, technological instruments used to help magnify an optic signal, often incorporate erbium to enhance communication; these fibers may also be used in fiber lasers (Mears et al. 1026).

Electron configuration and different charge states (valence of element with 1 example of existing compound that illustrates each valence state)

As stated previous in its naturally occurring state erbium contains 6 stable isotopes as follows: Er-162, 164, 166, 167, 168 and Er-170 (Wiki 1). In its "trivalent charge state" the compound is capable of emitting photons at 1.54 m "due to an intra 4f shell transition" between varying levels (Franzi et al. 3874). Er can be coupled with other compounds including Si (silicone), where a "sharp 1.54 w photoluminescence" occurs and arises through "electron-hole mediated processes" (Franzi et al. 3874). In the presence of 0 valence this reaction and luminescence is decreased according to the literature (Franzi, et al. 3874; Abragam & Bleaney 325).

Commercial Compounds

Commercially important compounds of Erbium include Erbium oxide, and Er-166 which occurs naturally in the greatest amount with a stable half-life (Wiki 1). Prior to the advent of fiber-optics there were relatively few commercially applicable uses for the compound erbium (EDFA). This all changed however when scientists discovered optical fibers could be doped with erbium in a way that allowed fiber to absorb light and emit light at varying frequencies (EDFA). This in turn led to the development of lasers coupling with erbium fibers at wavelengths varying between 980 and 1620 nanometers (EDFA). By exciting the atoms comprising the element, erbium allows transmission of electronic signals more clearly.

Conclusions

While the rare element erbium had relatively few uses in decades past, in recent years technology has enabled scientists to extract important compounds from the element and use erbium as part of fiber optic technology, laser technology and more. Erbium also serves simple purposes including enhancing the aesthetic look and appeal of commercial objects. Undoubtedly with time researchers will find even more uses for this unique rare element.