Germanium price jump has minor impact on detector prices

April 1, 1996
Over the past year germanium prices have jumped from around $700/kg to the $2200-$2500/kg range.

Over the past year germanium prices have jumped from around $700/kg to the $2200–$2500/kg range. But because most infrared detectors use only a few grams of the material, cost increase is not a major concern, but availability might be. According to Fred Perry, president of Boston Electronics (Brookline, MA), germanium mining over the past three years was curtailed when China and Russia sold off Cold War stockpiles at low prices. Now, with these stocks depleted, the cost has jumped while production has yet to catch up with demand. Detector uses are around 10% of the total germanium market. Infrared optics, a roughly 20% market segment, is seeing a greater cost impact—a single lens can consist of a kilogram of germanium. Also pushing up demand is the explosion in the optical-fiber market to 35%–40% of germanium use, an increase on the order of two to three times in the last five years.

Sponsored Recommendations

March 31, 2025
Enhance your remote sensing capabilities with Chroma's precision-engineered optical filters, designed for applications such as environmental monitoring, geospatial mapping, and...
March 31, 2025
Designed for compatibility with a wide range of systems, Chroma's UV filters are engineered to feature high transmission, superior out-of-band blocking, steep edge transitions...
March 31, 2025
Discover strategies to balance component performance and system design, reducing development time and costs while maximizing efficiency.
March 31, 2025
Filter accessories including cubes, sliders, and rings, designed to enhance the performance and versatility of optical systems. These components ensure precise alignment and stability...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!