Basic Introduction of Bote Germanium Window
Germanium (Ge) Windows are parallel plane panels commonly used as protective windows for electronic sensors or detectors of the external environment.
When selecting a window, attention should be paid to the window material, transmittance and transmission band, surface shape, smoothness, parallelism and other parameters.
An IR UV window is a window designed for use in the infrared or ultraviolet spectrum. Windows are designed to protect electronic sensors, detectors or other sensitive optical components from saturation or light damage.
Interesting Facts About Germanium
In the 2-12 μm range, germanium is the most commonly used material in imaging systems for the production of spherical lenses and efficient infrared windows. Germanium has a high refractive index (approximately 4.0 through the 2-14μm band) and generally does not require modification in low-power imaging systems due to its low chromatic aberration.
Germanium Optical Properties
The optical properties of germanium are seriously affected by temperature; the transmittance decreases as the temperature increases, and most applications involving germanium elements can only be used below 100 degrees Celsius. Designers also need to be aware of certain weight limitations in system designs with germanium density (5.33 g/cm3). Germanium is mainly used in thermal imaging systems and infrared (FLIR) fields.
Germanium Uses
Infrared imaging system: Germanium lenses are key components of infrared imaging systems and are widely used in military reconnaissance, target tracking, security monitoring and other fields. It can convert infrared radiation into visible light images to achieve target detection and identification at night or in low-light conditions.
Infrared spectrum analysis: In infrared spectrometers, germanium lenses are used as spectroscopic elements to separate infrared light of different wavelengths for spectral analysis. This has important application value in fields such as chemistry, biology, and materials science.
Infrared thermometer: Germanium lenses are also commonly used in infrared thermometers to focus the infrared radiation emitted by the target object in order to accurately measure its temperature. This has wide applications in industrial, medical, environmental protection and other fields.
Laser system: In laser systems, germanium lenses can be used to focus and expand laser beams to improve the output power and beam quality of the laser. In addition, germanium lenses can also be used as protective windows for lasers to protect the laser from the external environment.
Remote sensing detection: In the field of remote sensing detection, germanium lenses are used to receive and analyze infrared radiation information from the earth or other stars to obtain key data such as surface temperature, vegetation distribution, and atmospheric composition. This helps scientific research in areas such as environmental monitoring, climate research, resource exploration and more.
Germanium Lens Price
Germanium lenses are typically priced based on factors such as lens size, optical quality, and the specific application (e.g., infrared imaging).
On average, these lenses are more expensive than common optical materials like glass due to germanium’s high cost and specialized manufacturing process. Prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the specifications.
High-purity germanium with minimal defects often commands the highest price. Overall, the cost reflects both the material’s performance in infrared applications and its relative rarity.
Specifications:
| Diameter | 3mm-200mm |
| Edge Thickness Range | ≥0.7mm |
| Medium Thick Range | ≥1mm |
| Angle Processing Range | 0°~65° |
| Lost Height Processing Range | ≤21mm |
| Caliber and Medium Thickness Ratio | 17以内 |
| Pv | 0.1μm |
| Ra | 4nm-10nm |
| △N | 0.3-1.5 |
| Coating | AR coating, reflective film, metal film |
Why Choose Bote
- High resistivity hemispherical lenses available
- Available in AR or DLC coating
- Available in various diameters and focal lengths
Bote germanium optics are tested on Zygo interferometers and Agilent spectrophotometers as standard to ensure exceptional quality. For your information, please see our typical manufacturing specifications. You can also contact us for manufacturing limitations or custom specifications.