Opto-mechanical properties of monocrystalline germanium

Germanium is a key optical material for infrared systems due to its high refractive index and low bulk absorption in the mid- to long-wave infrared. Despite its common use in optical applications, the opto-mechanical properties are not well documented. We describe a test campaign conducted to characterize this material and qualify it for use in the Near-Earth Object (NEO) Surveyor mission.