The Giredmet Institute, the organizer of the RAREMET Congress, has developed a technology for producing high-purity germanium for gamma‑radiation detectors.

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.An experimental technological base has been created for the production of critically important HPGe crystals, it helps to close a key gap in import substitution in nuclear instrumentation.

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.

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.