Germanium And Germanium Compounds

About Germanium and Germanium Compounds

Germanium is an important semiconductor used mainly in transistors and integrated circuits. It is produced from germanium that contains small amounts of arsenic, gallium or other metals. Germanium forms many compounds. Germanium oxide is added to glass to increase the refractive index; this glass is used in wide-angle lenses and infrared devices. Many germanium-containing alloys have been developed. High-purity germanium single-crystal detectors can identify radiation sources accurately (e.g. for airport security).

Pure germanium is a hard, lustrous, grey-white metalloid that is brittle. It has a diamond-like crystal structure and its chemical and physical properties are similar to those of silicon. Germanium remains stable in air and water. It is not attacked by alkalis and acids, except by nitric acid.

Categories of Germanium and Germanium Compounds:

Germanium Ingots and Wafers: Germanium ingots and wafers serve as the basis for modern electronics. These materials are used as substrates for semiconductor devices, photodetectors and infrared optical components.

Germanium Oxides: Germanium oxides are used in optical coatings, glasses and catalysts. They perform a role in controlling the refractive index and transparency and in influencing catalytic activity.

Germanium Tetrachloride: Germanium tetrachloride is used in semiconductor manufacturing and chemical synthesis. It acts as a precursor in the production of high-purity germanium for electronic applications.

Organogermanium Compounds: Organogermanium compounds find application in areas ranging from pharmaceuticals to polymer synthesis. They provide specific functionalities such as use as stabilisers and as ligands in catalysis.

Advantages of Germanium and Germanium Compounds:

Semiconductor Characteristics: Germanium functions as a semiconductor in high-speed electronic devices, photodetectors and energy-efficient systems. It supports performance improvements in these applications.

Infrared Sensitivity: Germanium exhibits high infrared transparency and sensitivity. It is employed in thermal imaging, night-vision equipment and optical communication.

Optical Performance: Germanium compounds are incorporated into optical coatings and glasses. They improve optical performance in various applications through controlled refractive properties.

Customisation Options: Various germanium forms are available, including blocks, wafers, compounds and intermediates. Customers can select products that meet specific application requirements.

Technical Expertise: The technical team at Stanford Advanced Materials and SAM provides advice on selecting the appropriate germanium product. They also support the optimisation of its use in projects.