Holmium is a Block F, Group 3, Period 6 element. The number of electrons in each of Holmium's shells is 2, 8, 18, 29, 8, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Xe] 4f¹¹ 6s². In its elemental form holmium's CAS number is 7440-60-0. The holmium atom has a radius of 174.3.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is unknown. Holmium is only slightly toxic. Holmium has the highest magnetic moment (10.6µB) of any naturally occurring element. Because of this it has been used to create the highest known magnetic fields by placing it within high strength magnets as a pole piece or magnetic flux concentrator. This magnetic property also has value in yttrium-iron-garnet(YIG) lasers for microwave equipment. Holmium is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra-high purity); metals in the form of foil, sputtering target, and rod, and compounds as submicron and nanopowder. Holmium lases at a human eye safe 2.08 microns allowing its use in a variety of medical and dental applications in both yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) and yttrium-lanthanum-fluoride (YLF) solid state lasers. The wavelength allows for use in silica fibers designed for shorter wavelengths while still providing the cutting strength of longer wave length equipment. Holmium was first discovered by J.L. Soret in 1878. See Holmium research below.

Yttrium is a Block D, Group 3, Period 5 element. The number of electrons in each of Yttrium's shells is 2, 8, 18, 9, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Kr] 4d¹ 5s². In its elemental form Yttrium's CAS number is 7440-65-5. The yttrium atom has a radius of 177.6.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 200.pm. Insoluble compounds of Yttrium are non-toxic, although water soluble compounds are somewhat toxic. Yttrium has the highest thermo-dynamic affinity for oxygen of any element. This characteristic is the basis for many of its applications. While not part of the rare earth series, it resembles the heavy rare earths which are sometimes referred to as the “yttrics” for this reason. Another unique characteristic derives from its ability to form crystals with useful properties. Yttrium is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra high purity); metals in the form of foil, sputtering target, and rod, and compounds as submicron and nanopowder. Some of the many applications of yttrium include in ceramics for crucibles for molten reactive metals, in florescent lighting phosphors, computer displays and automotive fuel consumption sensors.Yttria stabilized zirconium oxide are used in high temperature applications, such as in thermal plasma sprays to protect aerospace high temperature surfaces and as an electrolyte in solid oxide fuel cells. The name Yttrium originated from a Swedish village near Vaxholm called Yttbery where Yttrium was discovered. Crystals of the yttrium-iron-garnet (YIG) variety are essential to microwave communication equipment. The phosphor Eu:Y2O2S creates the red color in televisions. Crystals of the yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) variety are utilized with neodymium in a number of laser applications. Yttria can also increase the strength of metallic alloys. Yttrium was first discovered by Johann Gadolin in 1794. See Yttrium research below.

Vanadium is a Block D, Group 5, Period 4 element. The number of electrons in each of Vanadium's shells is 2, 8, 11, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Ar] 3d³ 4s². In its elemental form vanadium's CAS number is 7440-62-2. The vanadium atom has a radius of 131.1.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 200.pm. Several vanadium compounds are toxic to some creatures despite the fact that it is an essential trace element. Vanadium is highly resistant to corrosion, so it is commonly used to alloy stainless steel grades. Vanadium compounds are used in advanced ceramics. Vanadium is a petrochemical cracking catalyst. Vanadium is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra-high purity); metals in the form of foil, sputtering target, and rod, and compounds as submicron and nanopowder. Vanadium information, including Technical Data, Safety Data and its high purity properties , research , applications and other useful facts are discussed here . Scientific facts such as the atomic structure, ionization energy , abundance on Earth , conductivity and thermal properties are included. Vanadium was first discovered in Mexico City by Andres Manuel del Rio, a Spanish born and European educated Mexican mineralogist, in 1801. In honor of its beautiful multi-colored compounds, Vanadium was named after the word "Vanadis" meaning goddess of beauty in Scandinavian mythology. See Vanadium research below.

• Crystal "pulling" by the Czochaiski method for production of semiconductor materials
• Flux growth and gradient freeze
• Directional solidification of fluorites using both the Bridgman-Stockbarger and float zoning techniques