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...

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.

References

Abragam, a and Bleaney, B, Electron paramagnetic resonance of transition ions.

Clarendon: Oxford University Press 1970.

Alibaba. "Gold and rare metal suppliers." Alibaba.com. Corporation. Accessed 2, May 2007. http://hongyuan.en.alibaba/com/

Columbia University Press. The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. New York:

Columbia University Press: 2004.

EDFA. "Erbium." Jan, 2003. Wi-Fi Webopedia.com Retrieved May 2, 2007: http://wi-fiplanet.webopedia.com/TERM/E/EDFA.html

Franzi, G. & Priolo, F, Coffa, S, Polman, S, Libertino, S, & Carey, D. The erbium-impurity interaction and its effects on the 1.54 luminescence of Er3. Journal of Applied Physics, 78(8): 1995, Sep. Accessed May 2, 2007: (http://www.amolf.nl/polman/publications/pdfs/The_erbium_impurity_interaction_and_its_effect_on_photoluminescence_in_crystalline_Si_-_J_Appl_Phys_(1995).pdf.

Mears. RJ, Reekie, L, Jauncey, IM & Payne, DN, Low-noise Erbium-doped fibre amplifier at 1.54pm, Electron Letters, 23.1: 1987

Optical Keyhole. "Southampton Photonics Interview," Optical Keyhole Corporation.

Retrieved May 2, 2007: http://www.opticalkeyhole.com/interviews/southampton.asp

Stwertka, Albert. Guide to the Elements. London: Oxford University Press: 1998

Wikipedia. "Erbium." Wikipedia Encyclopedia. Accessed 2, May, 2007:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erbium