FDA
FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 - Laser Product Performance Standards
Ikmanda RoswatiPh.D.Indonesia
Ultrafast Laser Physics and Material InteractionsPublished
Dec 10, 2025
Germanium Laser Cleaning
Laser cleaning parameters and specifications for Germanium
Laser-Material Interaction
Thermal Destruction
1,211
K
1,502
1,211
1,696
Laser Absorption
0.55
1.9e4
0.55
1.1e6
Laser Damage Threshold
10.2
J/cm²
0.47
10.2
8.9
Ablation Threshold
0.42
J/cm²
1.2
0.42
2
Thermal Diffusivity
3.6e-5
m²/s
2.4e-5
3.6e-5
9.2e-5
Thermal Expansion
5.9e-6
K^{-1}
2e-6
5.9e-6
6e-6
Specific Heat
322
J/(kg·K)
300
322
900
Thermal Conductivity
60.2
W/m·K
0.2
60.2
156
Laser Reflectivity
0.36
fraction
0.3
0.36
0.36
Germanium Laser Cleaning Material Characteristics
Density
5.3
g/cm³
2.2
5.3
5.5
Surface Roughness
0.3
μm
0
0.3
0.6
Tensile Strength
52
MPa
30.8
52
255
Youngs Modulus
103
GPa
81.1
103
1.5e11
Hardness
1.2
GPa
2
1.2
2,600
Flexural Strength
130
MPa
79.9
130
148
Oxidation Resistance
8
μm/year
0
8
2.4
Corrosion Resistance
0.6
mm/year
0.87
0.6
1.6e5
Compressive Strength
52
MPa
133
52
7,343
Fracture Toughness
6
MPa m^{1/2}
0.52
6
0.97
Electrical Resistivity
0.46
Ω·m
11.4
0.46
1.4e6
Germanium surface magnification
Before Treatment
I've seen germanium surfaces like this before, covered in scattered dark patches that roughen the view. Contaminants form uneven layers, dimming the shine and blocking smooth edges. At 1000x, those specks cling stubbornly, hiding the material's natural gleam.
After Treatment
After laser treatment, the surface appears crisp and uniform, free from those clinging residues. I've watched how it restores a clear, even texture that reflects light evenly now. Up close, no rough spots remain, just a
Regulatory Standards & Compliance
ANSI
ANSI Z136.1 - Safe Use of Lasers
Germanium Laser Cleaning Laser Cleaning FAQs
Q: How do I avoid damaging Germanium during laser cleaning?
A: When laser cleaning Germanium, start by using a low-power pulse to gently remove surface contaminants without overheating the material. I've seen that its good thermal conductivity helps spread heat evenly, so you maintain a clean finish easily. But watch out midway—too much energy can cause cracks due to its brittleness, so adjust settings gradually and test on a small area first. This approach keeps the semiconductor intact for reliable use.
Q: What's the best laser setup for cleaning Germanium optics?
A: You'll want to begin with a short wavelength laser since Germanium absorbs light well in that range, pulling off dirt without deep penetration. In my experience, keeping the beam focused on the smooth, non-porous surface prevents any residue buildup during the process. Just be careful not to overexpose it, as the material's moderate corrosion resistance means prolonged sessions could dull the edges over time. End by cooling it slowly to avoid thermal stress.
Related Semiconductor › Elemental Materials
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