Germanium Services

What is Germanium?

Germanium, located in Group 14 of the periodic table, shares similar physical properties with silicon, making it an excellent semiconductor material. It possesses high electron mobility and thermal conductivity, making it ideal for electronic and optical applications.

Metalloids are elements that have qualities of metals and nonmetals alike. Germanium is chemically similar to silicon as it falls between silicon and tin on the periodic table of elements.

Germanium Compounds

Germanium can form various compounds, including germanium oxide, germanium dioxide, and germanium tetrachloride. These compounds serve as raw materials in the production of germanium wafers. Germanium is often found in its native state in certain earth formations, simplifying the extraction process and reducing the energy required for its production.

What is Germanium?

Below are the relevant details about our Germanium products and the specifications we provide:

• Diameters: 25.4 mm-150.0 mm
• Resistivity: .001-50 ohm-cm
• Orientations: (100) (111) (110)
• Thickness: 100-10,000 microns
• Surface: One or two side polish
• Reclaim service
• EPI Solar grade quality polish

Germanium Wafer Specifications

Below are the relevant details about our germanium products and the specifications we provide:

• Diameters: 25.4 mm-150.0 mm
• Resistivity: .001-50 ohm-cm
• Orientations: (100) (111) (110)
• Thickness: 100-10,000 microns
• Surface: One or two side polish
• Reclaim service
• EPI Solar grade quality polish

What Are the Applications for Germanium Wafers?

• Semiconductor Industry: Germanium wafers play a vital role in the semiconductor industry. They are used as substrates for the production of diodes and transistors. Their unique electrical properties, such as high electron mobility, make them suitable for high-frequency applications.
• Optical Devices: Germanium's optical properties, particularly in the infrared range, make it an essential material for the production of lenses, windows, and infrared detectors. Infrared cameras and night vision devices often incorporate germanium components due to their excellent transmittance in the infrared spectrum.
• Solar Cells: Germanium wafers are also utilized in the development of advanced solar cells. Their high energy absorption capacity, especially in the near-infrared region, allows for more efficient solar energy conversion.
• Ge Sputtering Target: Germanium sputtering targets are used in the thin film deposition process. They find applications in the production of optical coatings and thin-film transistors, contributing to the advancement of display technologies.
• Organic Germanium: Organic germanium compounds are explored for their potential health benefits because it is found naturally, including immune system support. While not directly related to semiconductor applications, they highlight the versatility of germanium compounds

What are the Benefits of Germanium Wafers

• High Purity Germanium: Germanium products suppliers invest heavily in ensuring the purity of their products. High-purity germanium wafers are essential for achieving optimal performance in semiconductor devices, where impurities can negatively impact electronic properties.
• Advanced Materials: Germanium wafers belong to the realm of advanced materials, enabling the development of cutting-edge electronic and optical devices.
• Industrial Applications: The versatility of germanium wafers extends to numerous industrial applications. They are used in the aerospace industry for infrared imaging systems and in the manufacturing of fiber-optic components for telecommunications.
• Doped Germanium: By introducing controlled impurities into germanium, it can be "doped" to change its electrical properties. This is a fundamental technique in semiconductor manufacturing, allowing for the creation of p-n junctions and enabling the functionality of electronic devices.

Are You Looking to Purchase Germanium Wafers?

Germanium wafers, derived from the semi-metallic element germanium and its various compounds, like germanium oxide, germanium dioxide, and germanium tetrachloride, have become indispensable in the world of advanced materials and electronics. From their applications in the semiconductor industry to their role in optical devices and solar cells, germanium wafers continue to drive technological advancements.

As a germanium supplier, we strive for higher purity and quality, we can expect even more innovative applications for this semiconductor material in the future. Its unique properties and wide range of applications make germanium a vital element in the realm of advanced materials and high-tech industries.

Since 1997, Wafer World has brought customers across the globe the highest quality products for the needs of their industry. You can trust our manufacturers and technicians to deliver the components you need. Get in touch with us today to learn more or request a quote on your next order!