Yb - Ytterbium

Ytterbium is a chemical element with the symbol Yb and atomic number 70, part of the lanthanide series in the periodic table. It’s a soft, malleable, and ductile silvery metal that exhibits a bright luster when freshly cut. 

Physical Characteristics

• Appearance: Silvery-white metal, which is relatively stable in air due to the formation of a protective oxide layer.
• Atomic Mass: Approximately 173.04 atomic mass units.
• Density: About 6.90 grams per cubic centimeter at room temperature.
• Melting Point: 824°C (1515°F).
• Boiling Point: Approximately 1196°C (2185°F).

Applications

1. Fiber Optic Technology: Ytterbium is used as a doping agent in fiber optic cables to enhance signal strength. Its application in fiber amplifiers is crucial for long-distance communication lines and networks.

2. Lasers: Ytterbium ions are used in solid-state lasers. Ytterbium-doped lasers are efficient and have applications in industrial cutting and welding, medical surgeries, and fundamental scientific research.

3. Nuclear Physics: Due to its large thermal neutron absorption cross-section, ytterbium is sometimes used in nuclear technology, including in nuclear reactor control rods and neutron absorbers.

Compounds

1. Ytterbium Oxide (Yb2O3): Used in ceramics and glass formulations, improving their durability and thermal resistance. It’s also utilized in phosphors and as a dopant in garnet crystals in lasers.

2. Ytterbium Fluoride (YbF3): This compound is used in the manufacture of certain types of glasses and in the coating of optical elements to enhance their performance.

3. Ytterbium Chloride (YbCl3): Employed in the synthesis of other ytterbium compounds and as a catalyst in organic chemistry.

Basics on Ytterbium-Wikipedia