Terbium
Heavy rare earth used in green phosphors, solid-state devices, and high-performance magnetostrictive alloys (Terfenol-D).
Properties
Terbium (Tb): The Powerful Yellow‑Green
Named after the Swedish village of Ytterby, Terbium was isolated in 1843 by Carl Gustaf Mosander. It is renowned for highly efficient green phosphors that light up displays and lighting. Its most strategic application is in magnetostriction: with Dysprosium (Terfenol‑D), it expands or contracts strongly under a magnetic field—indispensable for high‑performance acoustic transducers and advanced precision sensors.
Key Applications
Market Data
Terbium (Tb): Master of Color and Precision Acoustics
Unique green luminescence + exceptional magnetostriction (Terfenol‑D).
Strategic applications: green phosphors, transducers, precision sensors/actuators (sonars).
Industrial interest: key for advanced electronics and defense; superior color/energy performance and advanced detection/control.
Risks & Substitutes
Limited availability and concentrated flows; sensitive to investment cycles.
Few equivalent substitutes for magnetostriction (Terfenol‑D is unique); design trade‑offs possible.
For green phosphors, potential substitutions by technology with color/efficiency compromises.
Related Elements
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