Ytterbium Oxide

Ytterbium (in honor of the Swedish city Ytterbi) is a serial number in the periodic table 70, denoted by the symbol Yb, atomic weight 173.04.

Ytterbium production

Very few rare earth ores have tangible ytterbium concentrations. Such ores are in deposits in Malaysia and Canada, as well as in China. Chinese deposits produce almost all ytterbium consumed in the world (about 50 tons), despite the fact that other deposits are richer with this element and can potentially produce large amounts of ytterbium. The limited production of ytterbium greatly reduces the possibility of using this element.

The rapidly expanding field of possible applications of ytterbium far exceeds even the most sensible estimates of the future increase in its production.

Ytterbium oxide application

Ytterbium — an element of amazing breadth of use, including technologies such as: solar panels, high-quality steel ligatures, high-power lasers, night vision devices, voltage measuring devices.

Ytterbium oxide is used in silicone photovoltaic cells to convert light energy into electrical energy, in manometers that monitor damage from earthquakes and nuclear tests.

Ytterbium oxide is also used in coatings for thermal control systems. Potential market for ytterbium — as a component for ligatures, a fiber-optic amplifier, and in solar-based electricity generation, applications can expand with the expansion of ytterbium production.

A new powerful direction in the use of metallic ytterbium is the production of its isotopes for unique developments in joint research of the military and nuclear industries.

Ytterbium oxide

Ytterbium oxide is a white powder. Used as an activator of phosphorus, in electrical engineering, etc.