Giredmet
JSC, part of the Chemical Technology Cluster (CTC) of Rosatom State
Corporation, has developed an experimental technology for producing
ultra-high-purity germanium (HPGe) for gamma-ray detectors. The work is being
carried out on behalf of Rosatom Science JSC as part of the Unified Industry
Thematic Plan of Rosatom State Corporation.
As part of
the project, specialists at the Institute designed and manufactured
experimental equipment that was used to develop a technology for producing
ultra-high-purity germanium single crystals (at least 7N). The first
experimental samples have been produced, confirming the effectiveness of the
deep-purification methods used to achieve detector-grade germanium.
The technology combines zone refining of germanium in a controlled atmosphere using silicon- and nitrogen-based getters, as well as special carbon-carbon and carbon-silicon coatings. This has made it possible to achieve the level of purity required to produce detectors with high spectrometric performance.
“Developing our own technology for producing ultra-high-purity germanium is a strategic objective for ensuring Russia’s technological sovereignty in nuclear instrumentation. This technology will enable us to replace imported crystals and establish a complete domestic production cycle for detector equipment. The experimental equipment developed at Giredmet and the validated process conditions demonstrate our readiness to move on to the next stage – establishing pilot production of HPGe crystals for Russian manufacturers of spectrometers”,said Konstantin Ivanovskikh, Deputy Director for Science and Innovation at Giredmet JSC.
Based on the results obtained, a pilot production facility is planned to meet the needs of Russian manufacturers of spectrometric equipment. Giredmet JSC has submitted an application to the Russian Science Foundation for support to continue this work with a view to establishing pilot-scale production.
Ultra-high-purity
germanium is a critical material for nuclear physics, medicine, and the defense
industry. It is used to manufacture semiconductor detectors for gamma-ray and
X-ray radiation employed in spectrometry, radiation monitoring, dosimetry, nuclear
material monitoring systems, and customs control. Germanium single crystals are
also used in infrared optics to manufacture lenses, windows, and filters
operating in the mid- and long-wave infrared ranges. The development of a
domestic technology for producing ultra-high-purity germanium will make it
possible to replace imported crystals and establish a complete domestic
production cycle for detector equipment.
The N.P. Sazhin State Research and Design Institute of the Rare Metal Industry "Giredmet" is one of Rosatom State Corporation’s leading research organizations specializing in materials science. Founded in 1931, the Institute covers the entire technology cycle, from developing methods for processing ores containing rare and rare-earth metals to producing high-purity substances, single crystals, and finished products for the electronics, nuclear, aviation, and space industries. The Institute has implemented dozens of unique industrial projects in the former USSR, Russia, and abroad. Giredmet JSC is part of the Chemical Technology Cluster (CTC) of Rosatom State Corporation. The CTC is an integrated structure designed to foster innovation and support scientific and technological advancement in Russia’s nuclear and related industries. Its activities cover a broad range of tasks associated with the development, production, and implementation of new materials, composites, high-purity substances, as well as rare and rare-earth metals. As part of this mission, the CTC serves as an integrator of scientific research, applied development, and industrial production, enabling a high degree of synergy between the various stages of the scientific and technological cycle.
