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Phase Change Materials - From Structures to Kinetics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

Matthias Wuttig
Affiliation:
wuttig@physik.rwth-aachen.deI. Physikalisches Institut IAAachen N/A D52056Germany
Wojciech Welnic
Affiliation:
welnic@physik.rwth-aachen.de, I. Physikalisches Institut IA, Aachen, N/A, D52056, Germany
Ralf Detemple
Affiliation:
detemple@gmx.de, I. Physikalisches Institut IA, Aachen, N/A, D52056, Germany
Henning Dieker
Affiliation:
dieker@physik.rwth-aachen.de, I. Physikalisches Institut IA, Aachen, N/A, D52056, Germany
Johannes Kalb
Affiliation:
kalb@physik.e´rwth-aachen.de, I. Physikalisches Institut IA, Aachen, N/A, D52056, Germany
Daniel Wamwangi
Affiliation:
wamwangi@physik.rwth-aachen.de, I. Physikalisches Institut IA, Aachen, N/A, D52056, Germany
Christoph Steimer
Affiliation:
steimer@physik.rwth-aachen.de, I. Physikalisches Institut IA, Aachen, N/A, D52056, Germany
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Abstract

Phase change materials possess a unique combination of properties which include a pronounced property contrast between the amorphous and crystalline state, i.e. a high electrical and optical contrast. In particular the latter observation is indicative for a considerable structural difference between the amorphous and crystalline state. At the same time the crystallization of the amorphous state proceeds on a fast time scale. This raises the question how structure, properties and kinetics are related in phase change alloys. It will be demonstrated that only a small group of covalent semiconductors with octahedral-like coordination has the required property combination. This is related to their thermodynamic properties which govern the kinetics of crystallization.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2006

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