Indium Corporation part of Smithsonian exhibit

Edward Harris, Observer-Dispatch
·1 min read

Materials from Indium Corp. are included in a Smithsonian exhibit on cellphone technology, the corporation announced in a statement.

Materials from Indium Corporation are included in Smithsonian exhibit on cellphone technology.
Materials from Indium Corporation are included in Smithsonian exhibit on cellphone technology.

Indium is a premier materials refiner, smelter, manufacturer, and supplier to the global electronics, semiconductor, thin-film, and thermal management markets.

Founded in 1934, the corporation is headquartered in New Hartford, but has factories located around the world.

Specifically, the company's Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) is highlighted by the museum. The touchscreens ubiquitous on modern smart phones include many layers, including a transparent, conductive ITO film arranged in an invisible grid on top of the display.

When a user touches the surface, that contact alters the capacitance, or stored energy, of an electronic circuit, which determines the position of the user’s finger, Indium said.

In addition to ITO powder, Indium provides numerous cutting-edge materials for mobile device assembly, including an award-winning, low-temperature solder alloy system.

Indium team members are also integrated into the exhibit. Robert Ploessl, product manager for metals and compounds, is prominently featured as both a subject matter expert and company representative.

“The Smithsonian is a prestigious institution and, as a self-proclaimed science geek, it is a tremendous honor to be included in this fascinating exhibit,” said Ploessl, in a statement. “When you touch your screen to connect with others, you touch our materials. I am very proud of that.”

Through authentic artifacts, immersive and digital experiences, and data visualization, Cellphone: Unseen Connections illuminates the world of cell phones at the intersection of science, art, technology, and society.

The exhibit consists of more than 750 objects from around the world, multimedia installations, an interactive group chat, and a graphic novel spanning three gallery walls.

The display runs through 2026.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Indium Corporation part of Smithsonian exhibit