Glass-Forming Ability vs Local Order and Covalent Character in the As–Te System

Abstract

An experimental study of the constitution of the As–Te glasses has been carried out, using glass‐forming‐ability measurements, high‐angle diffraction, differential thermal analysis, and other thermodynamic determinations. Evidence is definitely given for a difference of valency between crystalline and glassy states. A model is suggested for the structural units in the glass and for the modifications induced by an excess of arsenic or tellurium with respect to the critical As₂Te₃ composition.