Formation and properties of chalcogenide glasses in the GeS2–Ga2S3–CdS system

A new series of chalcogenide glasses in the GeS2–Ga2S3–CdS pseudoternary system was prepared in sealed silica ampoules by heating at 970 °C, and was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry–thermogravimetry (DSC–TG) and visible-IR transmission measurements. The results show that the glass-forming region is mainly situated in the GeS2-rich domain and the amount of dissolved CdS is up to over 30 mol%. The glasses have relatively high glass transition temperatures (Tg=375–436 °C) and good thermal stabilities. The most stable glass with the composition of 90GeS2–5Ga2S3–5CdS (in mol%) has a broad region of transmission from 0.46 to 10.5 μm and good chemical stability in normal air conditions. These glasses may be widely used in the field of optoelectronics.