Applications: Europium oxide, (Eu2O3), a compound of europium, is added to infra-sensitive phosphors to enhance the red colors on TV and computer-monitor picture tubes. It is also added to fluorescent light tubes to increase their efficiency, as well as to some materials to make lasers. Since it is a good neutron absorber, it is part of nuclear reactor control rods. Europium is an additive to the glue used on postage stamps, thus making it possible for the electronic sorting machines in U.S. postal offices to "read" the stamps.Information provided by Alfa Chemistry Materials. |