Crystallization and amorphization studies on a Ge2Sb2Te5 thin film sample using a two-laser static tester

Pramod K. Khulbe; Xiaodong Xun; Masud Mansuripur

doi:10.1117/12.997650

Translator Disclaimer

28 June 1999 Crystallization and amorphization studies on a Ge₂Sb₂Te₅ thin film sample using a two-laser static tester

Pramod K. Khulbe, Xiaodong Xun, Masud Mansuripur

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 3864, Joint International Symposium on Optical Memory and Optical Data Storage 1999; 38641V (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.997650
Event: Optical Data Storage, 1999, Kauai, HI, United States

Abstract

In phase-change (PC) optical data storage, information bits are recorded as amorphous marks on a crystalline film of GeSbTe alloy (hereinafter referred to as GST). This is achieved by raising the local temperature of the film above its melting point (approximately 600°C) using a high power laser pulse, and allowing the film to cool down rapidly to below its glass transition temperature. The crystalline-to-amorphous transition (or vice-versa) is accompanied by a large change in the optical constants of the GST material, which provides a mechanism for optical readout. Thus, crystallization, melting, and amorphization of thin GST films are of fundamental significance in PC optical recording technology. Several such studies have been undertaken in the past, using a single laser beam to both trigger the transformation and monitor its progress. In the present paper we describe the results obtained in a novel, two-laser static tester, which allows real-time monitoring of the crystallization/amorphization processes both during the laser pulse and in the cooling period following the pulse.

Citation Download Citation

Pramod K. Khulbe, Xiaodong Xun, and Masud Mansuripur "Crystallization and amorphization studies on a Ge₂Sb₂Te₅ thin film sample using a two-laser static tester", Proc. SPIE 3864, Joint International Symposium on Optical Memory and Optical Data Storage 1999, 38641V (28 June 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.997650

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE