Structural Study of Cu Photodoped Ge-S Glasses

The products formed by Cu photodiffusion in GeS 2 films are investigated. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry shows that for the experimental conditions used photodiffusion results in the introduction of 17.4 at. % Cu into the chalcogenide glass matrix. The diffusion product are analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction which reveals the formation of Cu 2 GeS 3 . Raman spectra show the considerable influence of Cu on the structure of the hosting glass which we relate to the incorporation of fourfold coordinated Cu into the glass matrix. Annealing of the films at 300°C and 430°C was also studied to determine the thermal stability of the ternary.