Germanium is a brittle metalloid semiconductor element with a diamond cubic crystal structure, widely recognized for its role in foundational semiconductor and optoelectronic applications. It is used primarily in infrared optics, fiber-optic telecommunications, photovoltaic devices, and high-frequency electronics, where its direct bandgap and strong infrared transmission properties provide distinct advantages over silicon in specific wavelength ranges. Engineers select germanium when infrared detection, high-speed signal processing, or specialized optical performance is required, though its higher cost and lower thermal stability compared to silicon typically reserve its use for applications where those performance characteristics justify the investment.
Compliance & Regulations
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bulk Modulus(K)2 entries | 7,680.9 | ksi | — | ||
| ↳ | 8,422.3 | ksi | — | ||
Elastic Compliance Tensor(Sij) | Matrix (redacted) | 1/GPa | — | ||
Elastic Anisotropy(AU) | 0.3718 | - | — | ||
Elastic Stiffness Tensor(Cij) | Matrix (redacted) | ksi | — | ||
Poisson's Ratio(ν)2 entries | 0.1841 | - | — | ||
| ↳ | 0.2000 | - | — | ||
Shear Modulus(G)2 entries | 6,148.5 | ksi | — | ||
| ↳ | 6,375.9 | ksi | — |
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Density(ρ) | 0.1826 | lb/in³ | — |
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Band Gap(Eg) | 0.000 | eV | — | ||
Magnetic Moment(μB) | 0.000 | µB | — | ||
Seebeck Coefficient(S) | -92.37 | µV/K | — |
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Energy Above Hull(ΔEhull) | 0.000 | eV/atom | — | ||
Formation Energy(ΔHf) | 0.000 | eV/atom | — |