indium

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "indium" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a chemical element with the symbol In and atomic number 49, known for its use in the production of touch screens, solar panels, and other electronic devices. Examples: 1. "The new smartphone features an indium tin oxide display for improved touch sensitivity." 2. "The researchers discovered a new method for extracting indium from recycled electronic waste." 3. "Indium coating is often used in aircraft windows to reduce glare and increase visibility." 4. "The semiconductor industry relies heavily on indium for its unique properties in microchip production." 5. "In the periodic table, indium is classified as a post-transition metal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

America's manufacturers are already dependent on foreigners for practically all their gallium, germanium, indium and scandium.

The Economist

Zinc ore is good for indium, germanium and cadmium.

The Economist

When it gets dark, the batteries power light-emitting diodes that are also sewn onto the cloth.The solar cells themselves are made from a substance called copper indium gallium diselenide, Global Solar Energy's speciality.

The Economist

Tin offers yet more indium and vanadium.

The Economist

The dots, composed of a semiconductor called indium phosphide, are sprayed onto a transparent plastic sheet that is then covered with a second sheet.

The Economist

In the case of indium, gallium and tantalum it is their unique electrical properties that are of interest.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Although it is pricey, so little is needed that the cost per article is tiny.To make their electronic paper the researchers started with a thin sheet of Mylar, a tough plastic, that was coated with indium-tin oxide (ITO), a transparent electrical conductor.

The Economist

The result, as their picture of a Japanese wave shows, is a recognisable image if not, yet, a perfect one.Adding the indium-tin-oxide electrodes is a more complicated process, but to show it can be done in principle, Dr Bhaskaran has made a single pixel this way.

The Economist

Eric A. Stinaff's group at the Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C., used a technique of optical coupling between pairs of indium-arsenide quantum dots by using an electric field.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Indium-tin oxide, for example, is both transparent and electrically conductive.

The Economist

Other compounds formed by combining elements from column III of the periodic table such as aluminum, gallium, and indium with elements from column V such as phosphorus, arsenic, and antimony are of particular interest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "indium" in technical contexts, specify the form or compound (e.g., indium-tin oxide) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "indium" generically when referring to specific compounds like indium-tin oxide (ITO). Always clarify the compound you are discussing to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "indium" is as a noun, referring to a metallic chemical element. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used in various scientific and technological contexts. Examples show it functioning as a subject, object, or part of a compound name.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

35%

News & Media

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indium" is a chemical element frequently employed across diverse technological and scientific domains. As Ludwig confirms, its grammatical role primarily centers around functioning as a noun, commonly surfacing within formal contexts like encyclopedias, news media, and scientific literature. To leverage "indium" effectively in your writing, always specify its compound to avoid misunderstandings. While alternative materials exist, "indium's" unique blend of properties sustains its prevalent use in touchscreens, solar cells, and various electronic components.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Chemical element with atomic number 49

More technical and specific definition.

Indium compound

Refers to any substance that contains indium.

Metallic element

Broader category to which indium belongs.

Trace element indium

Highlights the small quantities in which indium is often used.

Indium-tin oxide

Specific compound of indium used in displays.

Indium alloy

Mixture of indium with other metals.

Group 13 element

Classification of indium in the periodic table.

Semiconductor material

One of the primary uses of indium.

Copper indium gallium selenide

Specific mixture involving indium used in solar cells.

Indium phosphide

A compound of indium used as a semiconductor

FAQs

How is "indium" used in electronics?

"Indium" is commonly used in the form of indium tin oxide (ITO) in touchscreens, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and solar cells due to its transparency and electrical conductivity.

What are some common compounds that contain "indium"?

Common compounds include indium tin oxide (ITO), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), indium phosphide (InP), and indium antimonide (InSb).

What are the alternatives to "indium" in display technology?

While "indium" is widely used in displays, alternatives like carbon nanotubes and graphene are being explored to replace "indium tin oxide" (ITO) due to cost and scarcity concerns.

What are the properties of "indium" that make it useful?

"Indium" is a soft, silvery-white metal with unique properties, including low melting point, high electrical and thermal conductivity, and ability to bond to other materials, making it useful in various applications.