Short‐Range Order Investigation of Cu_<i>x</i>Ge_{50−<i>x</i>}Te₅₀ Phase‐Change Materials

The stability against crystallization of the amorphous phase‐change materials (CGT) exhibits an unusual behavior at low Cu concentrations with being most stable composition. Three CGT compositions , 15, and 25 are analyzed using extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) Ge‐K, Cu‐K, Te‐K edge 10 K. EXAFS analysis shows that average coordination number (CN) increases concentration from 2.8 to 4.0 . Cu‐EXAFS spectra indicate formation clusters for ( ). existence these is further by near‐edge calculations, supporting small polyhedral and/or disk‐like which linked surrounding GeTe matrix via CuTe bonds. Hence, network Te enriched, leading a maximum GeTe bonds As result, this establishes stabilized crystallization.