鍺 (Germanium) is a chemical element with the symbol Ge and atomic number 32. It is a metalloid, meaning it has properties of both metals and non-metals. Found in group 14 of the periodic table,鍺 is used in various applications, including semiconductors, fiber optics, and infrared optics. Discovered in 1886 by Clemens Winkler,鍺 is a crucial component in the production of transistors and diodes, which are essential for modern electronics. Its ability to conduct electricity under certain conditions makes it valuable in the tech industry, particularly in devices like solar cells and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).