Solution processed multi-layered thin films of Ge20Sb5S75 and Ge20Sb5Se75 chalcogenide glasses

• Published in: Scientific reports 2023-10, Vol.13 (1), p.16609-16609, Article 16609
• Main Authors: Jemelka, Jiri, Palka, Karel, Janicek, Petr, Slang, Stanislav, Jancalek, Jiri, Kurka, Michal, Vlcek, Miroslav
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 639/301/1019; 639/301/930/1032; 639/624/399; Annealing; Humanities and Social Sciences; multidisciplinary; Multilayered thin films; Nitrogen; Optical properties; Quantum dots; Science; Science (multidisciplinary); Solvents; Temperature; Thin films; Toxicity
• ISSN: 2045-2322; 2045-2322
• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43772-w

Solution processed non-toxic Ge 20 Sb 5 Se 75 chalcogenide glass thin films were deposited using spin-coating method from n-propylamine—methanol solvent mixture in specular optical quality. Optical properties, composition, structure, and chemical resistance were studied in dependence on the annealing temperature. Significant increase of refractive index and chemical resistance caused by thermoinduced structural polymerization and release of organic residua were observed. The high chemical resistance of hard-baked thin films allowed repeated direct depositions by spin-coating, increasing total thickness. Multilayered thin films of amorphous Ge 20 Sb 5 Se 75 and Ge 20 Sb 5 S 75 were also successfully prepared by direct deposition for the first time. Solution based deposition of non-toxic Ge 20 Sb 5 Se 75 thin films in specular optical quality significantly widens the applicability of solution processed chalcogenide glass thin films. Moreover, solution based direct deposition of different glasses on hard-baked thin films opens the way to simple and cost-effective preparation of more sophisticated optical elements (e.g. beam splitters, photonic mirrors).