Nanoscale Inhomogeneities Mapping in Ga-Modified Arsenic Selenide Glasses

Nanoscale inhomogeneities mapping in Ga-modified As₂Se₃ glass was utilized exploring possibilities of nanoindentation technique using a Berkovitch-type diamond tip. Structural inhomogeneities were detected in Ga_x(As_0.40Se_0.60)_100-x alloys with more than 3 at.% of Ga. The appeared Ga₂Se₃ nanocrystallites were visualized in Ga-modified arsenic selenide glasses using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The Ga additions are shown to increase nanohardness and Young's modulus, this effect attaining an obvious bifurcation trend in crystallization-decomposed Ga₅(As_0.40Se_0.60)₉₅ alloy.