Used as a dopant in solid-state lasers for medical and dental applications, particularly in portable X-ray devices as a scintillator or phosphor material that emits visible light when exposed to X-rays or electron bombardment. Employed in high-temperature superconductors and ceramic materials for specialized electronic components. Applied in research settings for developing magnetic refrigeration systems owing to its paramagnetic properties at low temperatures. Also utilized in the production of specialty glasses and optical coatings with unique luminescent characteristics.