Exploring structural instabilities in phase change materials without heat

Basic data for this project

Description

Peierls-like lattice distortion of antimony and phase change materials in general is the result of a subtle energy balance, which is sensitive to the application of electric charge. In this project, we develop methods to investigate these structural instabilities and their influence on material properties in simulations and in experiments. We tune the distortion by introducing charge to the crystalline, the supercooled liquid and the glass state of phase change materials. Building on the resulting insights we will identify materials ideally suited for devices to be used in photonic applications.