Solution processed As30Se70 chalcogenide glass thin films with specular optical quality: multi-component solvent approach

We present the study of volatile amine-based single or multi-component solvent formulations and their influence on As30Se70 chalcogenide glass solubility and dissolution mechanism. The source As30Se70 bulk glass was dissolved in various amine based solvents, and solutions of quantitatively dissolved bulk glass were used for thin films deposition by the spin-coating technique. The methanol – n-propylamine solvent mixture proved to be suitable for preparation of thin films in specular optical quality, low surface roughness and targeted composition. The post-deposition thermal treatment has a high impact on the thickness, optical properties and structure of the studied thin films. The content of the organic residuals was also significantly reduced.