optical prism

Germanium windows are optical components made from germanium, a chemical element with the symbol Ge. Germanium is a semiconductor material that is transparent to infrared radiation, making it ideal for use in infrared optics.

Germanium windows are commonly used in thermal imaging systems, infrared spectroscopy, and other applications that require the transmission of infrared light. They have a high refractive index and low dispersion, allowing for excellent optical performance in the infrared region.

Germanium windows can be manufactured with various coatings to enhance their performance, such as anti-reflection coatings to reduce reflection losses and increase transmission. They are typically used in the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) regions, where other materials like glass or silicon are not transparent.

Germanium windows are often used in high-temperature environments due to their excellent thermal stability. They can withstand temperatures up to 500°C without significant degradation in performance.

In summary, germanium windows are optical components made from germanium that are used to transmit infrared light in various applications, particularly in the MWIR and LWIR regions. They offer excellent optical performance, high thermal stability, and can be coated to enhance their performance.