Ho - Holminm

Holmium (Ho) is an element in the lanthanide series of the periodic table, with the atomic number 67. Known for its distinctive properties and applications, especially in the field of magnets and lasers, holmium plays a significant role in advanced technology and scientific research. 

Physical Characteristics

• Appearance: Holmium has a bright, silvery-white metallic luster.
• Atomic Weight: 164.93033 u.
• Melting Point: Approximately 1474°C (2685°F).
• Boiling Point: About 2700°C (4892°F).
• Density: 8.79 g/cm³ at room temperature.

Applications

• Magnets: Due to its high magnetic moment, holmium is used in creating the strongest artificially generated magnetic fields when placed within high-strength magnets as a pole piece or magnetic flux concentrator. This application is crucial in scientific research, particularly in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Lasers: Holmium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Ho:YAG) lasers are used in medical and dental surgery for their ability to be absorbed by water and biological tissues, making precise cuts with minimal collateral damage.
• Neutron Absorption: Holmium has a high neutron absorption cross-section, making it useful in nuclear reactors as part of control rods that help manage the reactor’s fission rate.

Compounds

• Holmium Oxide (Ho2O3): This compound is perhaps the most significant holmium compound, widely used in glassmaking to provide color and in nuclear technology. It has notable optical properties, including sharp absorption peaks in the visible and near-infrared regions.
• Holmium Fluoride (HoF3): Used in the manufacture of fluorine-containing glasses and crystals.
• Holmium Lasers (Ho:YAG, Holmium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet): These solid-state lasers are important in medical applications for their ability to perform precise surgical cuts.

Basics on Holmium –Wikipedia