Structural study of (As2S3)0.6(GeS2)0.4 glass

(As2S3)0.6(GeS2)0.4 glass in non-irradiated and γ-irradiated states has been studied by using high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction, extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy. The experimental results are explained by the local changes around As and Ge atoms upon irradiation. These changes are suggested to involve chemical bonds distortion, formation of defective bonds with wrong coordination, rotation of structural units and appearance of additional free volume in the glass network.