Thulium is a Block F, Group 3, Period 6 element. The number of electrons in each of Thulium's shells is 2, 8, 18, 31, 8, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Xe]4f¹³6s². In its elemental form thulium's CAS number is 7440-30-4. The thulium atom has a radius of 172.4.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is unknown. Thulium is not toxic. Thulium is representative of the other lanthanides (rare earths) similar in chemistry to Yttrium. Thulium 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. Thulium emits blue upon excitation. Flat panel screens depend critically on bright blue emitters. Also, under X-ray bombardment emissions are in both the 375 nm (ultra violet) and 465 (visible blue) wave lengths. This gives the material useful applications in low radiation detection for detection badges and similar uses. It is also used in other luminescence applications, such as halide discharge lamps. Thulium was first discovered by Theodore Cleve in 1879. Thulium is named after "Thule", which is the ancient name of Scandinavia. See Thulium 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.

American Elements semi conducting materials are crystal structures produced from ultra high purity starting materials synthesized by our high purity production facility which includes several large electric muffle furnaces, a tube furnace for hydrogen reduction, 50 gallon glass-lined Pfaudler reactors supported by our analytical laboratory containing X-ray diffraction, SEM, AA, BET surface area, and ICP Spectrometry for trace metals analysis. See a discussion of American Elements Ultra High Purity and Analytical capabilities. See Crystal Growth for processes used to fabricate semiconductor materials, which include:

• 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