Neutron Radiation-induced Damage to the Local Structure and Optical Properties of Amorphous Phase-Change Materials

Abstract

Phase change materials are being developed for aerospace applications due to their unique storage mechanisms and excellent optical storage performance, where radiation damage is an issue that needs to be addressed. This paper used a 300 KeV neutron beam to irradiate amorphous Ge₂Sb₂Te₅ (a-GST) films, the radiation damage to the local structure and optical properties of a-GST were studied. The results showed that neutron radiation partially damaged the Ge-Te and Sb-Te, causing changes in the values and distribution of the refractive index, but had a lesser impact on reflectivity. Good neutron radiation tolerance was exhibited by a-GST.