Holmium Oxide
Diholmium trioxide, Holmia, HOLMIUM OXIDE, 99.9%, Holmium sesquioxide
- CAS
- 12055-62-8
- EC
- 235-015-3
- Sectors
- Electronics & Solar PV, Home Care & Industrial Cleaning
Holmium Oxide (Ho₂O₃; MW 377.86 g/mol) is a light yellow-orange to beige rare earth oxide belonging to the lanthanide series, supplied as a fine nanopowder with a density of 8.41 g/cm³ and a melting point of 2,367 °C. It is insoluble in water but soluble in perchloric acid. Commercially available at Ho₂O₃/TREO ≥ 99.9 % with TREO ≥ 99 %.
Its principal technical roles span optical calibration, solid-state laser media, and ceramic colorant applications. The compound's characteristic sharp absorption bands in the visible and near-infrared spectrum make it a reference standard for spectrophotometric wavelength calibration, while its high melting point and chemical stability support demanding ceramic and glass processing environments.
Holmium Oxide
Applications
- Electronics & Solar PV: Employed as a dopant in specialty optical fibers and thin-film coatings where precise refractive-index modification is required.
- Electronics & Solar PV: Active medium precursor for Ho:YAG solid-state lasers operating in the 2 µm near-infrared range, used in laser machining and sensing systems.
- Home Care & Industrial Cleaning: Used as a calibration standard for UV-Vis spectrophotometers, providing certified wavelength reference points across the 200–900 nm range.
- Home Care & Industrial Cleaning: Incorporated as a colorant in cubic zirconia and technical ceramics, imparting yellow-orange hues stable at high sintering temperatures.
- Electronics & Solar PV: Applied as a glass colorant and refractive modifier in specialty optical glass formulations requiring controlled spectral transmission.
Safety & Risks
Not classified as hazardous under GHS. Handle nanopowder with standard dust-control measures: use N95 Respirators, Safety Glasses, and Gloves. Store in a cool, dry location away from strong acids.
Packaging
25 kg fiber drums or polyethylene-lined bags; 1–5 kg sealed foil bags for high-purity lots. Store in dry conditions, protected from moisture.