User Manual
20
Keep powder or windows stored in a cool, dry container, with appropriate
safety labelling.
Data Sheet For Germanium
General
Hard and very brittle material, but can be shaped, cut and polished to form
spectral transmission window or crystal for ATR spectroscopy.
Because of its high Refractive Index value suffers from large reflection losses
but these can be improved with antireflection optical coatings
Is temperature sensitive and loses transmission when heated. (Is optically
opaque to IR transmission at 190°C temperature.)
Insoluble in water and alcohols. Soluble in hot sulphuric acid and aqua regia.
Element symbol: Ge
Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) No: 7440-56-4.
Physical Data
Appearance: Greyish/black, opaque, elemental, metallic solid. Has no odour.
Melting point: 737°C.
Boiling point: 2830°C.
Vapour pressure: 2.66 x 10
-56
mm Hg at 25°C.
Specific gravity: 5.323 g cm
-3
.
Solubility in water: Insoluble
Hardness: 780 Kg/mm
2
.
Refractive Index: 4.01 (at 2000cm-1 - wavenumbers).
Spectroscopic transmission range: 5,500 to 500 cm-1 (wavenumbers).
Stability
Stable.
Toxicology
Harmful if ingested in large amounts, if inhaled, or if in repeated
contact with the skin.
Personal Protection
Always wear safety spectacles and gloves when handling the window or
crystal material.
Allow for adequate ventilation.
Storage
