Optical dispersion of homogeneously mixed ZnS-MgF₂ films

Abstract

Mixed films of ZnS-MgF₂ were prepared by co-evaporation from a single source. The dispersion of the optical constants was obtained from the reflectance and transmittance data of the films for various compositions in the spectral range 2000-7000 Å. The values of the optical constants of the mixed films at any wavelength lie between the values of the optical constants of pure ZnS and MgF₂ films. The refractive index of the mixed films closely obeys the Lorentz-Lorenz relation at wavelengths at which the absorption is small. The fundamental absorption edge of the mixed films shifts from that of MgF₂ to that of ZnS continuously but non-linearly on increasing the concentration of ZnS in MgF₂. Thus it is possible to use these films as variable frequency cut-off filters. The fundamental absorption edge of the mixed films follows the (hv-E_g)² relation, indicating an indirect optical transition, in sharp contrast to the direct optical transition observed in bulk ZnS.