The influence of Sb on glass‐forming ability of Ga‐containing As2Se3 glasses

Effect of As to Sb substitution on glass‐forming ability of As₂Se₃ glass under Ga additions was comprehensively studied using optical spectroscopy in visible and IR regions, differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction as well as Raman scattering techniques. The crystallization processes enhanced by Ga additions to As₂Se₃ glass were significantly suppressed under such As to Sb substitution. Following conventional synthesis, it was possible to substitute up to 50% of As by Sb within Ga_y(As_0.40?xSb_xSe_0.60)_100?y cut‐section without essential impact on glassy state, thus improving optical properties in the IR region by lowering the phonon energy. In the case of Ga_y(As_0.28Sb_0.12Se_0.60)_100?y cut‐section, up to 8 at.% of Ga can be introduced without crystallization, whereas in case of Ga_y(As_0.40Se_0.60)_100?y system, glass‐forming ability is limited just up to 3 at.% of Ga. The prepared Ga₅(As_0.28Sb_0.12Se_0.60)₉₅ glass composition was shown to be the richest in Ga keeping its vitreous state, good optical and thermodynamic properties allowing further rare‐earth doping and fiber drawing.