Document Type
Article
Department/Program
Physics
Journal Title
Physical Review B
Pub Date
6-2015
Volume
91
Issue
24
Abstract
We have systematically studied a variety of vanadium dioxide (VO2) crystalline forms, including bulk single crystals and oriented thin films, using infrared (IR) near-field spectroscopic imaging techniques. By measuring the IR spectroscopic responses of electrons and phonons in VO2 with sub-grain-size spatial resolution (similar to 20 nm), we show that epitaxial strain in VO2 thin films not only triggers spontaneous local phase separations, but also leads to intermediate electronic and lattice states that are intrinsically different from those found in bulk. Generalized rules of strain-and symmetry-dependent mesoscopic phase inhomogeneity are also discussed. These results set the stage for a comprehensive understanding of complex energy landscapes that may not be readily determined by macroscopic approaches.
Recommended Citation
Liu, Mengkun; Sternbach, Aaron J.; (...); Qazilbash, M. M.; and et al., Phase transition in bulk single crystals and thin films of VO2 by nanoscale infrared spectroscopy and imaging (2015). Physical Review B, 91(24).
https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.91.245155
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.91.245155
Publisher Statement
This work is made available for educational and personal use only. Copyright is credited to the authors. Any other uses should be directed to the publisher.
