GERMANIUM (Ge) WINDOWS, Ge LENSES

Germanium is used widely for lenses and windows in thermal imaging and FLIR applications. Its high index of refraction (about 4) makes it of particular interest. Its useful transmission range from 2 to 13mkm. Germanium is opaque in the visible.

Germanium has the property of thermal runaway, meaning that the transmission decreases as temperature increases. As such, they should be used at temperatures below 100°C.

Alkor Technologies manufactures custom Germanium windows and Germanium lenses. Maximum size of Ge optics: Dia 160x50mm. Anti-reflection coating (@2-13mkm) is available for this material.

Please contact us for more information.

Main properties:
Chemical Formula : Ge
Crystal Structure : Cubic
Crystal Form : Poly or Single Crystall
Lattice Constant, A : 5.66
Density, g/cm3 : 5.33
Mohs Hardness : 6.3
Transmission band: 1.8 - 23 mkm

Refractive Index