68
Erbium
Atomic Number68
Atomic Mass167.3 u
CategoryLanthanide
State at Room TempSolid
Year Discovered1842
About Erbium
Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers boost the light signals in the undersea cables that carry nearly all internet traffic between continents, arguably the most consequential use of any rare earth. Erbium also colors glass and photographic filters pink and powers skin resurfacing lasers. Yet another element from the Ytterby quarry, isolated from yttrium ore.
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