The characteri=tion of nanometer-de phase sepamtion in sputterd amorphous meti-Ge and Fe-Si films has led to the observation of a new microstructure that extends through the meti-insulator transition. The phase separated regions, which are depndent on deposition conditions, are well-correlated and of the order of 1 nm in the growth plane but poorly-correlated and 1.5-2.0 nm in the growth direction. The resdts suggest that fluctuations during film growth play a pivoti role in preventing anticipate columnar structures, probably l~ing to unusti percolation properties.-. Vapor-depositi amorphous meti-germanium and meti-silicon films have been the subject : of extensive study over the past decade. Much of the effort is aired at understanding the meMinsulator (M-I) transition, since many view the films as relatively unique examples of homogeneous materials which undergo a continuous structural transition as the meti concentration is increased:: In contrast, Kortright and Bienenstoekl inferred from their structural study of amorphous MoCGel-c that films with &c4.23 consist of aGe and a Me-modified material that coexist on a size scak of less than 4 nm. These authors were unable to confirm their supposition definitively with small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), however, since the observed intensity patterns could arise from either defecm or such phase separation. In addition, they reference an unsuccessful attempt to detect phase separation with transmission electron microscopy. Subsequently, Yoshizumi et al.2 and Mael et d.3 notd that their observation of a metallic low tempemture specific heat in insulating (cd. 1) amorphous MoCGel-Cfilms is consistent with the coexistence proposal. Recently, Rice et d.4 have used anomalous small-angle x-my mttering (ASAXS) to show, definitively that a variety of Ge-nch amorphous meti-germanium films have SAXS patterns that arise _from composition fluctuations or phase separation, rather than from defec~. E1-tron microscopy has been used in the past to observe composition modulations in, for example, the Work supported in part by~epartment of Energy Contract DE-AC03-76S~515.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.