Rubidium, symbol Rb and atomic number 37. Rb is a soft, silvery-white metallic element of the alkali metal group. Its compounds
Rubidium, symbol Rb and atomic number 37. Rb is a soft, silvery-white metallic element of the alkali metal group. Its compounds have chemical and electronic applications. Rubidium metal is easily vaporized and has a convenient spectral absorption range, making it a frequent target for laser manipulation of atoms.
The potential or current uses of rubidium include:
A working fluid in vapor turbines.
A getter in vacuum tubes.
A photocell component.
The resonant element in atomic clocks. This is due to the hyperfine structure of rubidium's energy levels.
An ingredient in special types of glass.