Time-resolved photoluminescence in amorphous P₂Se

The first measurements of time-resolved photoluminescence in g-P₂Se are presented, and reveal a mid-gap Gaussian emission band typical of a chalcogenide glass, together with high energy luminescence extending at least up to 1.95eV, which is attributed to band-to-band recombination. Results are also given for luminescence in crystalline P₄Se₃, and comparisons are made between glass and crystal phosphorus selenides, and between these and published data on g-As₂S₃. It is seen that neither glass nor crystal show a significant time-resolved shift of the mid-gap PL band, implying a similarity between the PL processes involved in the two materials.