Optical and electronic properties of pyrite

Abstract

The optical and electronic properties of pyrite (FeS2) mineral have been investigated by ex-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements made on pristine (bulk) FeS2. This method offers an alternative to petrographic microscopes used in many laboratories, as well as, in education and research institutions to study optical properties of rocks and minerals. The ability of spectroscopic ellipsometry to determine the dielectric function {ε (E) = ε1 (E) + iε2 (E)} of the material from its structural morphology, band gap, and electrical conductivity within the infrared spectral range (0.73–5.9 eV) is an added advantage over the optical microscopy that require ample time for thin section sample preparation to enable an optical light beam to be transmitted or reflected. As shown in this work, petrographic analyses of rocks and minerals using spectroscopic ellipsometry is a useful technique for optical studies of rocks and minerals with an added advantage over petrographic microscopy (optical microscopy).