PHOTODISSOLUTION OF METALS IN CHALCOGENIDE GLASSES - A UNIFIED MECHANISM

A model for the photodissolution of metals in amorphous chalcogenides is proposed, based on the simultaneous transport of metal ions and electronic charge carriers. A parabolic law for the kinetics of the process if derived; the photoconductivity of the reaction product is the controlling factor. It is suggested that the absorption site of the actinic light is determined by the sign of the dominant electronic (photo) carriers in the reaction product. The effect of pressure on the photodissolution rate can be readily understood within the framework of this model.