Origin of electronic localization in metal-insulator transition of phase change materials

Tellurium based phase change materials are unique 3D-solids proposed to undergo Anderson type metal-insulator transition. However, the origin of this transition is not unambiguously understood. Here, we report combined high energy resolution photoemission spectroscopy and high k-resolution X-ray dif...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied physics letters 2018-12, Vol.113 (26)
Main Authors: Sarkar, I., Perumal, K., Kulkarni, S., Drube, W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anderson localization
Applied physics
Electronic structure
Energy resolution
Insulators
Localization
Metal-insulator transition
Phase change materials
Photoelectric emission
Tellurium
Thermal energy
X-ray diffraction
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Summary:Tellurium based phase change materials are unique 3D-solids proposed to undergo Anderson type metal-insulator transition. However, the origin of this transition is not unambiguously understood. Here, we report combined high energy resolution photoemission spectroscopy and high k-resolution X-ray diffraction measurements on a reversibly phase switched Ge2Sb2Te5 film. The results resolve the ambiguity between previous spectroscopic data and the proposed theoretical model for the origin of Anderson localization in these materials. Furthermore, by switching between the metallic state to insulating and back to metallic, we probe the electronic structure evolution in the phase change material.
ISSN:0003-6951
1077-3118
DOI:10.1063/1.5053574