Features and Applications
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Automobiles
Motors are required for hybrid and electric vehicles, and because of their strong magnetic properties, rare earth magnets are widely used for thease motors.
In gasoline-powered vehicles, rare earths are used for oxygen sensors that control the air-fuel ratio to improve fuel efficiency and exhaust gas, and various ceramic parts for lightweight and tough vehicle bodies. -
Semiconductors
There is a process that uses plasma and etching gas in a manufacturing process of semiconductor.
Rare earths are used for a coating material of a manufacturing apparatus to protect it from plasma and gas. -
Medical field
Rare earths are used for a scintillator light emitting element in diagnostic imaging equipment such as CTs and PETs, and as a magnetic material in MRIs.
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LED phosphor
Rare earths are used for the phosphor that converts the LED emission color into various colors. It is applied to lighting and displays.
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Multilayer ceramic capacitors
Rare earths are used for high-tech electronic devices such as smartphones, automobile safety devices, and electronic components that are indispensable for autonomous driving.
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Optical fiber
Optical fiber, which is one of the core infrastructures supporting IT, is used to transmit large amounts of data over long distances.
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Catalyst
Rare earths are used in a catalyst of oil refining, pharmaceutical synthesis, tire rubber synthesis, etc.
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Lens
When rare earths are added to a lens such as a camera, the refractive index is improved and it achieves a thinner lens.
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Sintering aid
It is increasingly used as a sintering aid for the purpose of increasing strength, changing the melting point, etc.