Application
There are only a few commercial uses for europium. Europium oxide, (Eu2O3), a compoundof europium, is added to infra-sensitive phosphors to enhance the red colors on TVand computer-monitor picture tubes. It is also added to fluorescent light tubes to increasetheir 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 postagestamps, thus making it possible for the electronic sorting machines in U.S. postal offices to"read" the stamps.