Germanium
IV IR Optics is a world leader in the manufacture of precision optical components for infrared applications. Our centrepiece: the in-house cultivation of germanium single crystals in our ultra-modern Czochralski crystal growing facilities. Here, in these special furnaces, we create germanium crystals of exceptional purity and size under strictly controlled conditions. This demanding process is the foundation for the quality of our semi-finished products for the IR range.
The most important facts about our germanium
Specific resistance
5 – 40
Ωcm (standard optical quality)
EXPT class 0.5 – 5 Ωcm
Size up to:
335
mm
450 mm also possible for special applications
Surface (D7)
< 0.2
Ra µm
fine ground
Why germanium crystals from IV IR Optrics?
Our advanced technology, combined with the many years of experience of our employees, guarantees a consistent and cost-effective process. The result: germanium blanks of the highest quality, ready for further processing into optical masterpieces. IV IR Optics routinely grows crystals with a diameter of 330 mm. For specialised applications, crystals with a diameter of up to 450 mm can also be grown.
Why is growing your own crystal so important?
- Complete control: We monitor every step, from the raw material to the finished crystal.
- Highest purity: Only the best crystals are used for our optics.
- Customisation: We can tailor the crystal parameters precisely to our customers’ requirements.
IV IR Optics has implemented state-of-the-art manufacturing and quality assurance processes to produce precision optical blanks:
- Decoring
- Cutting
- Grinding/moulding
- Ball production
- Chamfering
- Cleaning
- Inspection
Experienced personnel, integrated quality assurance processes and state-of-the-art measuring and testing equipment guarantee complete conformity.
You can obtain the following products from us for your infrared optics applications:
- Window blanks
- Mirror blanks
- Filter blanks
- Prism blanks
- Beam splitter blanks
- Lentil blanks
- Dome blanks
- Bars
- Discs
- Sputtering targets
- Evaporation granules
What can you expect from our germanium?
- High purity
- Precise <111>- or other orientation
- N-type or P-type conductivity
- Wide range of specific resistors
- Customised specifications
- Precision blanks
- Standard sizes 10 to 330 mm diameter; shape and tolerances according to customer drawing
- Surface finishing: Ramax 0.2 μm to 4.0 μm (D7-D46)
- Near-net-shape/polishable
Applications
- Optical precision blanks
- Sputtering targets
- Lenses for IR cameras
- Acousto-optic modulators
Germanium in optical quality / blanks for infrared optics
| Feature | Value | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal structure | Monocrystalline or polycrystalline | |
| Purity | > 99.999 % | |
| Alignment | <111>, <100> | Other orientations on request |
| Conductivity | N-type (antimony-doped) P-type (boron-doped) | Other endowments on request |
| Specific resistance | Standard optical quality 5 – 40 Ωcm EXPT class 0.5 – 5 Ωcm | Other resistance range on request |
| Available sizes | Ø 335 mm monocrystalline Ø 450 mm polycrystalline |
