The optical absorption edge of rare earth sesquisulfides and alkaline earth - rare earth sulfides

Optical band gaps were measured by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy on a series of Ln₂S₃ compounds of α, δ, ε and τ structure types and on a series of ternary sulfides MLn₂S₄ (M = Sr, Cd, Mg) of Th₃P₄, CaFe₂O₄ and spinel structure types. Sharp absorption edges are observed with band gaps ranging from 2.2 to 3.5 eV. Systematic changes occur with rare earth radii. Analysis of some of the absorption edges suggests direct forbidden transitions.