Thermodynamic, kinetic and electrical switching studies on Si{sub 15}Te{sub 85-x}In{sub x} glasses: Observation of Boolchand intermediate phase
An interesting topic for quite some time is an intermediate phase observed in chalcogenide glasses, which is related to network connectivity and rigidity. This phenomenon is exhibited by Si-Te-In glasses also. It has been addressed here by carrying out detailed thermal investigations by using Alternating Differential Scanning Calorimetry technique. An effort has also been made to determine the stability of these glasses using the data obtained from different thermodynamic quantities and crystallization kinetics of these glasses. Electrical switching behavior by recording I-V characteristics and variation of switching voltages with indium composition have been studied in these glasses for phase change memory applications. - Graphical abstract: The variation of non-reversing heat flow ({Delta}H{sub NR}) of Si{sub 15}Te{sub 85-x}In{sub x} glasses with composition (x) and average coordination number (Left-Pointing-Angle-Bracket r Right-Pointing-Angle-Bracket). The Boolchand intermediate phase can be seen in the composition range 2{<=}x{<=}6. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Observation of Boolchand intermediate phase. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Crystallization kinetic studies. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Electrical switching studies.