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Density-functional theory guided advances in phase-change materials and memories

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 October 2015

Wei Zhang
Affiliation:
Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China; wzhang0@mail.xjtu.edu.cn
Volker L. Deringer
Affiliation:
RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; volker.deringer@ac.rwth-aachen.de
Richard Dronskowski
Affiliation:
RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; drons@HAL9000.ac.rwth-aachen.de
Riccardo Mazzarello
Affiliation:
RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; mazzarello@physik.rwth-aachen.de
Evan Ma
Affiliation:
Johns Hopkins University, USA; ema@jhu.edu
Matthias Wuttig
Affiliation:
RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; wuttig@physik.rwth-aachen.de
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Abstract

Phase-change materials (PCMs) are promising candidates for novel data-storage and memory applications. They encode digital information by exploiting the optical and electronic contrast between amorphous and crystalline states. Rapid and reversible switching between the two states can be induced by voltage or laser pulses. Here, we review how density-functional theory (DFT) is advancing our understanding of PCMs. We describe key DFT insights into structural, electronic, and bonding properties of PCMs and into technologically relevant processes such as fast crystallization and relaxation of the amorphous state. We also comment on the leading role played by predictive DFT simulations in new potential applications of PCMs, including topological properties, switching between different topological states, and magnetic properties of doped PCMs. Such DFT-based approaches are also projected to be powerful in guiding advances in other materials-science fields.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2015 

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