CY1071 Germanium crystal wafer (Ge-wafer)

Germanium Crystal Sheet Description

Germanium crystal sheets can be used as windows, lenses, prisms and other components for infrared detection and imaging systems. Single-crystal germanium is used in infrared optics and laser systems operating from 2 µm to 20 µm. Additionally, single-crystal germanium exhibits high transmittance in both the infrared and far‐infrared regions.

Germanium Single Crystal Growth

Currently, the company operates a single crystal furnace with an annual production of 25 tonnes of germanium single crystals and 5 tonnes of silicon single crystals. Advanced equipment is used both domestically and overseas, and the company has decades of crystal growth experience. Melt-grown germanium ingots are used as raw material. Electronic-grade germanium single crystals are produced with a resistance range from 0.25 to 50 Ohm-cm and a resistance uniformity of less than 15%. The crystals are oriented in the (111) direction with orientation deviations within specified limits and a dislocation density ranging from 1 000 to 3 500 per L. The minority carrier lifetime exceeds 150. Germanium single crystals are used in the manufacture of germanium transistors because the electron and hole transfer rates in germanium are higher than those in high-speed circuits.

Germanium Crystal Sheet Specifications

We also supply customised infrared germanium windows.

Applications of Germanium Crystal Sheets

1. Infrared Optics:

Germanium is transparent in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, particularly in the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) ranges. Consequently, germanium crystal sheets are used as windows, lenses and optical components in IR imaging systems, thermal cameras and IR spectroscopic instruments.

2. Thermal Cameras:

Germanium wafers are a key component in thermal cameras and infrared detectors.

3. Infrared Spectroscopy:

Germanium crystal sheets serve as windows and prisms in IR spectroscopic devices.

4. IR Sensors and Detectors:

Germanium-based photodetectors and sensors are employed in applications such as flame detection, gas analysis and temperature monitoring in industrial and scientific sectors.

5. Terahertz (THz) Imaging and Spectroscopy:

Germanium crystal sheets are utilised in THz imaging systems and spectroscopic applications for security screening and material characterisation.

6. Semiconductor Industry:

Germanium has historically been used as a semiconductor material and remains in use in certain specialised electronic devices, including high-speed transistors, diodes and photodetectors.

7. X-ray and Gamma-ray Detection:

Germanium detectors, often fabricated from high-purity germanium crystals, are employed for high-resolution X-ray and gamma-ray spectrometry in medical imaging, nuclear experiments and security inspections.

8. High Refractive Index Optical Coatings:

Germanium is applied as a substrate for optical coatings with a high refractive index, thereby allowing effective light control and antireflection performance.

9. Solar Cells:

Germanium-based solar cells have been developed for space applications given their efficiency and radiation resistance.

10. Aerospace and Defence:

Germanium crystal sheets are employed in various aerospace and defence applications such as missile guidance systems, night vision thermal imaging and remote sensing.

11. Space Telescopes:

Owing to its infrared transparency, germanium has been considered for use in space-based telescopes for IR and THz observations.

12. Laser Optics:

Germanium is used as an optical material in infrared laser systems according to application requirements.

Germanium Crystal Sheet Packaging from SAM

Our germanium crystal sheets are clearly marked and labelled to ensure accurate identification and quality control. Measures are taken during storage and transport to prevent any damage.