Binary Alloys of Ge and Te: Order, Voids, and the Eutectic Composition

J. Akola and R. O. Jones
Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 205502 – Published 23 May 2008
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Abstract

The liquid and amorphous structures of Ge0.15Te0.85 and GeTe alloys are characterized using combined density functional/molecular dynamics simulations. Te is threefold coordinated, in contrast with predictions of the “8-N rule,” and Ge atoms (fourfold coordinated) show octahedral and tetrahedral bonding angles. Cubic local environment occurs in both materials, and GeTe shows a pronounced alternation of atomic types. Tetrahedral Ge coordination is more common in the eutectic Ge0.15Te0.85, which comprises corner- and edge-sharing GeTe4 units surrounded by Te. There is no Te segregation, and the material resembles neither GeTe nor Te. The ubiquitous cavities (voids) have been overlooked in Ge0.15Te0.85, where they comprise over 25% of the volume.

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  • Received 10 January 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.100.205502

©2008 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

J. Akola1,2 and R. O. Jones1

  • 1Institut für Festkörperforschung, Forschungszentrum Jülich, D-52425 Jülich, Germany
  • 2Nanoscience Center, Department of Physics, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014 University of Jyväskylä, Finland

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Vol. 100, Iss. 20 — 23 May 2008

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