The photo-stimulated interdiffusion within chalcogenide based nano-layered structures produced large changes in properties, which had potential application in optical pattern recording. The mechanism of these changes was investigated for two nano-layered structures consisting of 100 alternate layers of antimony and As2S3, but of different relative thicknesses, by high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results suggested the formation of Sb–S bonds at the expense of As–S bonds, with a consequent increase in the refractive index but minimal change in thickness. The role of oxygen in photo-induced transformations, especially in the top layers, was characterized.

Investigation of Interdiffusion in Sb/As2S3 Nano-Layered Structures by High-Resolution X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. V.Takats, A.C.Miller, H.Jain, A.Kovalskiy, S.Kokenyesi: Thin Solid Films, 2011, 519[10], 3437-42