Germanium crystals are an essential material for infrared (IR) technology because of several key properties that make them ideal for handling and transmitting IR light. Their primary use is in the lenses, windows, and prisms of devices like thermal imaging cameras and night-vision goggles.
Germanium with specific resistivities in the 3 – 30 Ωcm range is highly transparent to infrared radiation in the 2 to 16 µm wavelength range. Furthermore, a high refractive index of about 4 allows germanium lenses to bend light more efficiently than other materials. This allows for the design of powerful optical systems with fewer lens elements, resulting in more compact and lightweight devices. A high refractive index also helps minimize chromatic aberration, ensuring a clearer image.
For these IR applications, we offer Czochralski (Cz) grown crystals with a (111) orientation. We also provide finished lenses, windows and prisms, with and without coating.
CORE PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND APPLICATIONS
Our SOLUTIONS
Ge Crystals
Semiconductor and optical Germanium crystals tailored for photonics and sensing applications.
Ge Wafer
High-quality Germanium substrates designed for precision microfabrication and advanced material research.
Ge for Monochromators
Precision monochromators and channel-cut crytals for wavelength selection in x-ray and neutron technology.
Ge for Sensor Applications
Wafer structuring and further services for hall-sensors, x-ray sensors and sensor arrays.
Ge for IR Applications
Custom and standard IR lenses and windows optimized for filters and thermal imaging.
Thermal Simulations
Furnace design and crystal growth modeling by numerical simulations.