Phase-Change Alloys: Structural Aspects

In this chapter, after a brief introduction to phase-change alloys, the structures of the crystalline and amorphous phases are discussed starting with experimental results that demonstrated significant differences in the local order between the two states. This is followed by the description of extensive first-principles studies of the amorphous phase. The chapter proceeds to discuss the atomistic mechanism of the phase-change process. Finally, polyamorphism of the phase-change alloys is discussed.