What are semiconductors?

Semiconductors are materials which have a conductivity between conductors (like metals) and nonconductors or insulators (like ceramics). They are an essential part of most modern electronic devices, and they have enabled us to make important advances in communications, computing, healthcare, transport and clean energy.

Traditionally, they were found in computers and telephones, but nowadays semiconductors can be found in almost all electronics.

Recent production issues caused by the pandemic also increased awareness of the need for semiconductors, and how critical they are when it comes to interacting with the wider world.