This brief review of the history of semiconductor materials is not meant to imply that GaAs will soon be the only material appropriate for solid-state construction. Germanium de vices are still being manufactured, although for a limited range of applications. Even though it is a temperature-sensitive semiconductor, it does have characteristics that find application in a limited number of areas. Given its availability and low manufacturing costs, it will continue to find its place in product catalogs. As noted earlier, Si has the benefit of years of development, and is the leading semiconductor material for electronic components and ICs. GaAs is more expensive, but as manufacturing processes improve and demands for higher speeds increase, it will begin to challenge Si as the dominant semiconductor material.