Measured optical constants of Pd_(77.5)Cu_6Si_(16.5) bulk metallic glass

Optical constants of Pd_(77.5)Cu_6Si_(16.5) alloy were determined experimentally using spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements on bulk specimens. Values of the complex refractive index of the glassy metallic alloys are compared to their crystalline counterparts and to pure crystalline Pd. The presence of Cu and Si increase the occurrence of defects in the crystal lattice resulting in reduced refractive index in the crystalline alloy when compared to pure crystalline Pd. Moreover, we show the conduction band energy of each specimen using Tauc’s plot. The obtained complex refractive index across the spectrum (250 – 1500nm) allows for accurate prediction of optical performance within the investigated spectral range providing optimal design for optical devices.