The most common use of germanium is as a semiconductor. Germanium is used in transistors and in integrated circuits. Since germanium is most commonly found in semiconductors, germanium wafers are common. Let’s take a look at the history of Germanium and the Germanium wafer.
Germanium was predicted by Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev in 1869 after he developed the periodic table of elements. He predicted the element because he noticed a gap between silicon and tin. As a result, he theorized that there were several elements yet to be discovered, including element number 32 (Germanium). When he first figured it out, he initially called it eka-silicon.His prediction turned out to be pretty accurate. He predicted that the element that would eventually become Germanium would have a density of 5.5 grams per cubic centimeter and atomic weight of 70. The actual numbers are 5.323 grams per cubic centimeter and an atomic weight of 72.630. As a result of his accuracy with Germanium, the periodic table was given credibility.The element was officially discovered by Clemens A. Winkler in 1886 in Germany. The discovery was made in a mineral sample from a silver mine. The name he gave it, Germanium, comes from the Latin ‘Germania’ meaning Germany.
Germanium wafers are popular in the infrared industry, specifically in infrared spectroscopes and infrared detectors. If you are in the market for Germanium wafers, contact us today to learn more or to place an order.
