4. Main uses of germanium

In 2007, the main uses of germanium worldwide were as follows:

• PET catalysts: 31% ;

• fibre optics: 24% ;

• infrared optics: 23% ;

• electronics and solar applications: 12% ;

• other (phosphorescent agents, metallurgy, chemotherapy...), 10%. .

• Optical fibers

  GeO ₂ -doped silica glass is transparent to the near IR, which is the part of the IR spectrum...