Handbook on the Physics and Chemistry of Rare Earths

The rare earths play a unique role in science. These seventeen related elements provide an impressive array of subtle variations deriving from the systematic development of their electronic configurations, allowing a test of theory with excellent resolution. In contrast they find widespread use in even the most mundane processes such as steel making, polishing materials and gasoline cracking catalysts. In between are exotic uses such as TV screen phosphors, lasers, high strength permanent magnets and chemical probes.Gschneidner, K. A., Jr. is the author of 'Handbook on the Physics and Chemistry of Rare Earths' with ISBN 9780444507624 and ISBN 0444507620.