Studies on melt-quenched AgInSbTe system

Phase homogeneity and crystal structure of melt-quenched AgInSbTe system have been analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Rietveld refinement of crystal structure of Ag4In12Sb 56Te28 has revealed the formation of AgIn 3Te5, Sb8Te3 and Sb phases respectively with P-type tetragonal (P42c), 11R (R3m) and A7 (R3m) structures. Addition of suitable amount of Te to Ag4In12Sb 56Te28 yielded Ag3.54In10.62Sb 49.56Te36.28, alloy with AgIn3Te5 and Sb8Te3 phases. Optical micrographs of surface of the samples have shown the existence of three kinds of regions (AgIn 3Te5 rich, Sb8Te3 rich and Sb rich regions) with different reflectivity. Presence of multiphase and effect of laser-sample interaction at these regions have been investigated using Raman spectroscopy. Analysis of Raman spectra has revealed that the regions with more content of AgIn3Te5 exhibit amorphous phase during laser-sample interaction. © 2013 American Institute of Physics.