Optical properties of (In2Se3)1–x·(CuIn5Se8)x solid solutions

Single crystals of In2Se3 and CuIn5Se8 compounds and (In2Se3)1–x·(CuIn5Se8)x solid solutions have been grown from the melt using the Bridgman method and their composition and structure determined. It is shown that the crystals have n-type conductivity. Their transmission spectra were studied in the self-absorption edge region at 80 and 295 K. Based on the spectral measurements, the band gap width (Eg) was determined and the band gap concentration dependences were plotted. It is found that Eg varies with the x composition nonlinearly. Using the dielectric model of Van Vechten–Bergstresser and the Hill–Richardson pseudo potential model, Eg(x) was calculated theoretically.