Nature of defects and gap states in GeTe model phase change materials

B. Huang, J. Robertson

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

36 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The electrical storage mechanism in GeSbTe phase change materials is discussed in terms of their gap states using GeTe as a model system. The lowest energy defect in crystalline rhombohedral GeTe phase is the Ge vacancy, because it reconstructs along the resonant bonding directions. The lowest energy in amorphous GeTe is the divalent Te atom, which creates overlapping band-tail states that pin Fermi level E F near midgap. In contrast, the lowest cost defect in disordered phase in GeSbTe superlattices is the Te interstitial whose negative correlation energy pins E F near midgap. © 2012 American Physical Society.
Original languageEnglish
Article number125305
JournalPhysical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Volume85
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Mar 2012
Externally publishedYes

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