Uses
YtterbiuM(III) chloride hydrate is applied to numerous fiber amplifier and fiber optic technologies, High purity grades are widely applied as a doping agent for garnet crystals in lasers a important colourant in glasses and porcelain enamel glazes. Ytterbium chloride is a powerful catalyst for the formation of acetals using trimethyl orthoformate. YbCl3 may be used as a calcium ion probe, in a fashion similar to a sodium ion probe, it is also used to track digestion in animals.