Indium Phosphide Semiconductor Technology for Next-Generation Communication Systems: Sustainability and Material Considerations

Léa Roulleau, Laura Vauche (), Didier Marsan, Hervé Boutry, Léo Colas, Jean-Baptiste Doré, Alexis Divay and Léa Di Cioccio
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Léa Roulleau: CEA-Leti, Université Grenoble Alpes, F-38000 Grenoble, France
Laura Vauche: CEA-Leti, Université Grenoble Alpes, F-38000 Grenoble, France
Didier Marsan: InPACT, Pombliere, F-73600 Saint Marcel, France
Hervé Boutry: CEA-Leti, Université Grenoble Alpes, F-38000 Grenoble, France
Léo Colas: CEA-Leti, Université Grenoble Alpes, F-38000 Grenoble, France
Jean-Baptiste Doré: CEA-Leti, Université Grenoble Alpes, F-38000 Grenoble, France
Alexis Divay: CEA-Leti, Université Grenoble Alpes, F-38000 Grenoble, France
Léa Di Cioccio: CEA-Leti, Université Grenoble Alpes, F-38000 Grenoble, France

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-24

Abstract: Indium phosphide (InP) semiconductor technology is being explored for radiofrequency (RF) applications, targeting frequencies exceeding 100 GHz, to support the next generation of 6G communication systems. When taking into account sustainability in designing this future generation, growing concerns are emerging regarding the environmental impact of communication networks and the reliance on raw materials for the production of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The extraction, processing, and manufacturing of such materials and semiconductor technologies result in environmental impacts, but these impacts remain insufficiently documented. Firstly, this study evaluates the environmental impacts of manufacturing indium phosphide (InP) wafers based on industrial data and those of InP-based heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) based on early-stage research data. Secondly, this study attempts to highlight the challenges posed by the increasing demand for high-tech solutions, involving raw materials, by evaluating the potential demand for indium for RF 6G applications, with a deployment scenario.

Keywords: indium phosphide; life cycle assessment; raw materials; environmental impacts; radiofrequency; 6G (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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