Large potential of Sb100-xTex films for optical storage

As-grown microcrystalline stoichiometric Sb40Te60 films were examined by he at-treatment and laser-irradiation experiments for their potential use in o ptical storage. Compositional, structural, and optical studies were carried out for films heat-treated at various temperatures in the range 0-260 degr ees C. They revealed a stable phase (Sb60Te40) in the range 110-185 degrees C and a monotonic decrease of Te below and above this range. The irradiati on experiment showed the possibility of both reversible and irreversible ph ase changes depending on the laser power. Comparing the two experiments, we believe the phase responsible for reversible changes is Sb100-xTex (x = 38 -45). The irreversible changes were found to be due to large deviation in t his stoichiometry. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd.