Abstract
We present transmission electron microscopy results on Te alloys that show evidence for a compositional instability for x≊0.5 when the alloys are grown on substrates. The Te alloy becomes stable at room temperature if a buffer layer of PbTe is grown on the substrate prior to the growth of the Te layer. The stabilization of the Te solid solution is the result of the additional energy term due to the strain between the Te film and the PbTe buffer layer. The estimated critical temperatures for decomposition of the Te alloys with and without the PbTe buffer layer are ≊0 and ≊366 K, respectively, in accord with the experimental observations.
- Received 28 December 1988
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.39.10995
©1989 American Physical Society