Semiconductors & Displays
ITO touchscreens, LED phosphors, and 5G RF components for advanced electronics.
The Interface of Modern Technology
Indium tin oxide (ITO) remains the dominant transparent conductor for touchscreens and flat-panel displays. Europium and terbium enable the red and green phosphors in high-efficiency LEDs and displays. Gallium arsenide (GaAs) and gallium nitride (GaN) power 5G base stations and satellite communications.
As display technology evolves and 5G infrastructure expands globally, securing indium, gallium, and rare earth phosphors becomes strategic for electronics manufacturers and telecom infrastructure providers.
Materials strategy now spans cost, performance, and roadmaps: while TCOs (AZO/FTO) and graphene are advancing, ITO remains the practical choice for most volumes. For RF, GaN on SiC is displacing LDMOS in high‑power nodes; for displays, MicroLED pipelines still depend on rare‑earth phosphors for color conversion.
Critical Elements
Key Applications
ITO touchscreens (smartphones, tablets, automotive HMI)
LED/MicroLED phosphors and color conversion layers
GaN RF components (5G macro/small cells, radar)
Compound semiconductors (InP, GaAs) for photonics
Optical coatings, filters and sensor windows
Market Dynamics
- •Indium supply constrained (zinc mining byproduct)
- •Gallium subject to export controls (China 80% supply)
- •Technology transitions (ITO alternatives, new display tech)
- •Price volatility impacting consumer electronics margins
Strategic Opportunities
- →Diversified sourcing beyond China (In, Ga)
- →Recycling partnerships (ITO recovery from displays)
- →Long-term contracts aligned with product roadmaps
- →Technical support for material substitution feasibility