Impact of Oxidation on Ge2Sb2Te5 and GeTe Phase-Change Properties

Effects of Ge2Sb2Te5 and GeTe oxidation on their phase-change properties were studied by optical measurements and Parallel Angle Resolved X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (PARXPS). The influence of oxygen on the active material was depicted in order to explain variations of the phase-change properti...

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Published inJournal of the Electrochemical Society Vol. 159; no. 4; pp. H373 - H377
Main Authors Gourvest, E., Pelissier, B., Vallée, C., Roule, A., Lhostis, S., Maitrejean, S.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published The Electrochemical Society, Inc 01.01.2012
Electrochemical Society
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Summary:Effects of Ge2Sb2Te5 and GeTe oxidation on their phase-change properties were studied by optical measurements and Parallel Angle Resolved X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (PARXPS). The influence of oxygen on the active material was depicted in order to explain variations of the phase-change properties. The surface analysis evidenced a two-steps oxidation involving the formation of germanium and antimony oxides then tellurium oxide. A smooth surface sputtering allowed physically distinguishing the different oxides on GeTe sample overlayer and gave information about oxidation mechanisms. A significant drift of crystallization temperatures and activation energies were observed after 12 months air exposure time that points out the influence of the phase-change materials oxidation on their active properties.
Bibliography:027204JES
ISSN:0013-4651
1945-7111
DOI:10.1149/2.027204jes