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Crystallization kinetics and thermodynamics of an Ag–In–Sb–Te phase change material using complementary in situ microscopic techniques

Journal Article · · Journal of Materials Research
 [1];  [1];  [2];  [2];  [3];  [4];  [5];  [5];  [1]
  1. Oregon State Univ., Corvallis, OR (United States)
  2. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States). Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies
  3. Integrated Dynamic Electron Solutions, Inc., Pleasanton, CA (United States)
  4. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
  5. National Inst. of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, MD (United States)

The crystallization of an amorphous Ag–In–Sb–Te (AIST) phase change material (PCM) is studied using multiple in situ imaging techniques to directly quantify crystal growth rates over a broad range of temperatures. The measurable growth rates span from ≈ 10–9 to ≈ 20 m/s. Recent results using dynamic transmission electron microscopy (TEM), a photoemission TEM technique, and TEM with sub-framed imaging are reported here and placed into the context of previous growth rate measurements on AIST. Dynamic TEM experiments show a maximum observed crystal growth rate for as-deposited films to be > 20 m/s. It is shown that crystal growth above the glass transition can be imaged in a TEM through use of subframing and a high-frame-rate direct electron detection camera. Challenges associated with the determination of temperature during in situ TEM experiments are described. Finally, preliminary nanocalorimetry results demonstrate the feasibility of collecting thermodynamic data for crystallization of PCMs with simultaneous TEM imaging.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States); Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Scientific User Facilities (SUF); USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program
Grant/Contract Number:
NA0003525; AC52-07NA27344; SC0013104
OSTI ID:
2311476
Report Number(s):
SAND--2023-05210J
Journal Information:
Journal of Materials Research, Journal Name: Journal of Materials Research Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 37; ISSN 0884-2914
Publisher:
Springer NatureCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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