Amorphous chalcogenide layers and nanocomposites for direct surface patterning

Homogeneous, 200 - 3000 nm thick layers of chalcogenide glasses, 1 - 2 mm thick plane-parallel plates as well as nanocomposite structures, containing gold nanoparticles have been produced and used for in situ surface optical and geometrical relief fabrication by optical- or electron-, ion-beam recording. Investigations were focused on the formation of giant (height modulation from nanometers up to micrometers) geometrical reliefs and elements (dots, lines and diffractive elements) applicable in the 0.5 - 10 micrometer spectral range. Recording parameters were compared with available data on acrylic polymer nanocomposites. The mechanism of the recording processes, which include thermal, electron and mass-transport components were explained and the selection of the materials from As(Ge)-S(Se) binary systems with best recording parameters was done.