Femtosecond structural transformation of phase-change materials far from equilibrium monitored by coherent phonons

TL;DR

This study investigates ultrafast structural changes in a phase-change material, GST superlattice, using coherent phonon spectroscopy, revealing complex dynamics that could enable faster switching devices.

Contribution

It demonstrates for the first time the ultrafast structural transformation dynamics in GST superlattice, distinct from alloys, using pump-pump-probe coherent phonon spectroscopy.

Findings

Complex structural dynamics observed in GST superlattice

Distinct phonon spectra indicate mixing of Ge sites

Potential for ultrafast switching applications

Abstract

Multi-component chalcogenides, such as quasi-binary GeTe-Sb$_{2}$Te$_{3}$ alloys, are widely used in optical data storage media in the form of rewritable optical discs. Ge$_{2}$Sb$_{2}$Te$_{5}$ (GST) in particular has proven to be one of the best-performing materials, whose reliability allows more than 10$^{6}$ write-erase cycles. Despite these industrial applications, the fundamental kinetics of rapid phase-change in GST remain controversial and active debate continues over the ultimate speed limit. Here we explore ultrafast structural transformation in a photo-excited GST superlattice, where GeTe and Sb$_{2}$Te$_{3}$ are spatially separated, using coherent phonon spectroscopy with pump-pump-probe sequences. By analysing the coherent phonon spectra in different time regions, complex structural dynamics upon excitation are observed in GST superlattice (but not in GST alloys), which can be described as the mixing of Ge sites from two different coordination environments. Our results suggest possible applicability of GST superlattice for ultrafast switching devices.