Radial Distribution Studies of Glassy Ge<i>x</i>S1−<i>x</i> Alloys

Abstract

X-ray diffraction radial distribution studies of glassy GexS1−x alloys, with x=0.33 and 0.42, have been performed. The interatomic distances in the x=0.33 sample, 2.2 and 3.55 Å, are consistent with those in the covalently bonded crystalline GeS2. The distances in the x=0.42 sample, 2.3 and 3.65 Å, are also consistent with covalent bonding, and show no relationship to those found in crystalline GeS. No evidence of a previously proposed octahedral coordination of Ge can be found. A tentative explanation for the existence of two separated glass-forming regions in this system is put forth.