FAQ
Germanium is a chemical element (Ge) and a semiconductor material with unique optical and electronic properties. It is used in infrared optics, photonics, fiber-optic communications, advanced semiconductors, and high-efficiency solar cells, including space and satellite applications.
Germanium is considered a critical raw material because it is rare, difficult to substitute, and essential for strategic technologies that support digitalization, mobility, security, and the energy transition. It is typically produced as a by-product of other metal refining processes, which limits supply flexibility.
Germanium has unique electrical and optical properties that complement silicon rather than replace it. It offers higher charge carrier mobility, enabling faster signal processing, and is transparent to infrared light, which silicon is not.
Yes, Umicore recycles germanium from a wide variety of sources including fiber optics, solar cells, LEDs and infrared optics. The germanium-containing waste can have multiple forms such as concentrates, solids, cakes, slurries and solutions etc. More information of our recycling services can be found on this page.
Germanium enables technologies that support energy efficiency, digital connectivity, safety, and the energy transition. It is used in high-efficiency solar cells, fiber-optic communications, thermal imaging systems that improve energy management and safety, and advanced semiconductors that reduce power consumption.
Umicore's business regarding germanium is twofold. On the one hand, we provide our clients with germanium products such as chemicals, substrates and crystals. On the other side, we also offer the service of refining and recycling a wide variety of germanium-containing concentrates, solids, cakes, slurries and solutions.
Germanium substrates are wafers made from high‑purity germanium, used as a base material for growing semiconductor layers such as those used in multi‑junction solar cells, photonics, and other electronic devices.
Our Olen & Quapaw facility is one of the few worldwide capable of pulling dislocation‑free Ge ingots with diameters from 4″ to 12″, delivering epi‑ready wafers with tight process control and rigorous inspection.
Typical industrial sizes range from 4″ to 12″ diameter, depending on application and production needs. More information of our substrates can be found on this page.
GeClâ‚„, or germanium tetrachloride, is a chemical compound of germanium and chlorine. It is a colorless, volatile liquid that serves as an important intermediate material in the production of high-purity germanium and germanium-based products.
It is commonly used in optical fiber manufacturing and in chemical vapor deposition processes to produce high‑purity germanium layers.
Yes. GeClâ‚„ can be produced from recycled germanium, and recycling is an important part of the germanium value chain. Germanium-containing production residues and end-of-life materials can be processed, refined, and converted into high-purity GeClâ‚„. More information of our GeCl4 can be found on this page.
Germanium Dioxide (GeO2) is an inorganic compound that serves as the primary industrial feedstock for the element germanium. It is a white, crystalline powder or transparent glass that looks similar to common silica (sand) but possesses much higher refractive and thermal properties.
GeO2 is a critical "enabler" for modern technology. While it may not be a household name, it is essential for the infrastructure of the digital age and high-end industrial applications.
They are primarily used in gamma‑ray and radiation detectors, where extremely high purity is required for accurate energy‑resolution performance.
Umicore is currently the only manufacturer capable of producing world’s purest germanium crystal - with a purity of 99.99999999999%. It is used to detect and analyse gamma rays in particle accelerators, nuclear power plants and space applications. More information of our high‑purity germanium can be found on this page.
Standard diameters are 68 mm and 150 mm. Other diameters up to 300 mm can be produced upon request. For larger diameters, customers should contact the sales team. More information of our germanium infrared crystal can be found on this page.
The crystals have a purity of 6N (99.9999%).
High‑purity germanium crystals are engineered for radiation detection and require extreme purity.
Germanium infrared crystals are designed for infrared optical systems and optimized for IR transmission, not electronic purity.