Phenomenology of γ-irradiation-induced changes in optical properties of chalcogenide semiconductor glasses: A case study of binary arsenic sulfides

The developed approaches are probed for glassy As40S60 and As30S70, which demonstrate principally different responses on radiation-structural transformations and accompanied physical ageing. Critical assessment is given on misleading speculations ignoring intrinsic changes in view of competitive contribution from radiation-induced surface oxidation and thermally-assisted ageing. Stoichiometric As2S3, showing dramatic changes in optical transmission spectra, is nominated as canonical model object among chalcogenide glasses revealing highest sensitivity to γ-irradiation. These methodological solutions are in excellent agreement with structure-modification criteria developed to parameterize compositional trends in radiation-optical response of chalcogenide glass.