SmSe

SmSe (samarium selenide) is a rare-earth semiconductor compound belonging to the lanthanide chalcogenide family, characterized by ionic bonding between samarium and selenium atoms. While primarily of research interest, SmSe and related rare-earth selenides are investigated for infrared optics, thermoelectric devices, and solid-state physics applications where their narrow bandgap and high refractive index are advantageous. Engineers consider SmSe when conventional semiconductors (Si, GaAs) are unsuitable for mid-to-far infrared wavelengths or when rare-earth electronic properties are essential, though material availability and cost typically limit adoption to specialized defense, sensing, and basic research contexts.