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Application:
1. Medical Imaging: Gadolinium oxide is used as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). When gadolinium is present, it alters the local magnetic field, which enhances the quality of the MRI images, particularly of soft tissues.
2. Neutron Absorption: In nuclear reactors, gadolinium oxide is used as a neutron absorber due to its high neutron cross-section. This property makes it useful in controlling the reactivity of the reactor.
3. Phosphors and Scintillators: Gadolinium oxide is used in the production of phosphors that are used in different types of displays and fluorescent lamps. It is also used in scintillators, which are materials that luminesce when hit by a particle or high-energy photon.
4. Solid State Devices: Due to its electrical properties, gadolinium oxide is used in the manufacture of various solid-state devices, including capacitors and memory chips.