Niobium nitride
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Niobium nitride is a compound of niobium and nitrogen with the chemical formula NbN. At low temperatures, niobium nitride becomes a superconductor, and is used in detectors for infrared light.
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[edit] Uses
Niobium nitride's main use is as a superconductor. Detectors based on it can detect a single photon in the 3-10 micrometer section of the infrared spectrum, which is important for astronomy and telecomunications. It can detect changes up to 25 gigahertz.
Niobium nitride is also used in absorbing anti-reflective coatings.
[edit] Properties
Color: Gray
Melting Point: 2573°C
State: Solid at 25°C
Molecular Weight: 106.913
Density: 8.470 g/cc
Solubility: Insoluble
NFPA 704: Health 2, Fire 0, Reactivity 2
CAS Registry Number: 24621-21-4
[edit] Health
Niobium nitride reacts with water. Ammonia gas is a hazardous byproduct. Use goggles, a lab coat, gloves, and a respirator when working with niobium nitride.
[edit] References
- Rickey, Tom (1999). Superconductors See the Light At Shorter Wavelengths. superconductors.org. Retrieved on 2006-08-08.
- Dierks, S. (1991). NbN Material Safety Data Sheet (PDF). espimetals.com. Retrieved on 2006-08-08.
- Niobium nitride. webelements.com. Retrieved on 2006-08-08.
