Published January 1, 2012 | Version v1
Journal article

Nanoscale mechanically induced structural and electrical changes in Ge2Sb2Te5 films

  • 1. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Sevilla, CSIC-Universidad de Sevilla, Avenida Americo Vespucio 49, 41092 -Seville (Spain)

Description

We demonstrate that the microstructure and electrical properties of Ge2Sb2Te5 films can be changed by a nanoscale mechanical process. Nanoscratching is used to define modified areas onto an as-deposited crystalline Ge2Sb2Te5 film. Scanning tunneling microscopy measurements show that the modified areas have a very low electrical conductivity. Micro-Raman measurements indicate that the mechanically induced microstructural changes are consistent with a phase transformation from crystalline to amorphous, which can be reversed by laser irradiation.

Additional details

Identifiers

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Journal of Applied Physics
Journal Volume
111
Journal Issue
1
Journal Page Range
p. 016101-016101.3
ISSN
0021-8979
CODEN
JAPIAU

Optional Information

Notes
(c) 2012 American Institute of Physics