PNNL

Abstract

Abstract Cadmium-germanium-diarsenide (“CGA”) glasses were synthesized in bulk form (~2.4 cm3) using the procedures adapted from the literature. Several issues involved in the fabrication and quenching of amorphous CdGexAs2 (x = 0.45, 0.65, 0.85, 1.00) are described. An innovative processing route is presented to enable quenching of vitreous, crack-free ingots with sizes up to 10 mm diameter, and 30 – 40 mm long. Specimens from selected ingots were characterized using thermal analysis, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, particle-induced X-ray emission, Rutherford backscattering, secondary ion mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, density, and optical spectroscopy. Variations in properties as a function of processing conditions and composition are described. Results show that the density of defect states in the middle of the band gap and near the band edges can be decreased three ways: through suitable control of the processing conditions, by doping the material with hydrogen, and by increasing the concentration of Ge in the glass.