Photoinduced transformations in (As1–xBix)2S3 glass observed by Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectra of (As_1–xBi_x)₂S₃ glass samples with x ≤ 0.2 measured at the excitation with above-bandgap (532 nm) laser light at a relatively low power density (P_exc = 4 kW/cm²) clearly confirm the amorphous character, thereby markedly extending the known compositional interval of existence of the (As_1–xBi_x)₂S₃ glass previously known (x ≤ 0.06). Spectra measured at an increased P_exc (40 kW/cm²) reveal a photostructural transformation in the illuminated area of the glass leading to an additional contribution of Bi–S bonds as well as to an increasing number of cage-type As₄S₄ units with homopolar As–As bonds. A number of new features in a broad range up to about 1,000 cm⁻¹, which emerge in the Raman spectra of the (As_1–xBi_x)₂S₃ glasses with high (x ≥ 0.14) Bi content and increase in intensity with the exposure time, are related to a photochemical transformation, namely, oxidation of arsenic and sulphur on the (As_1–xBi_x)₂S₃ glass surface with formation of units containing arsenate AsO₄³⁻ and sulphate SO₄²⁻ ions. These processes are irreversible and occur only in the presence of a sufficient amount of bismuth.