Magnetic properties and phase change features in Fe-doped Ge-Sb-Te.

The relationship between magnetic property and phase change features in Fe-doped Ge-Sb-Te has been studied. Fe-doped Ge-Sb-Te is a phase change magnetic material, which exhibits a fast phase change feature and different magnetic, optical and electrical properties between amorphous and crystalline states. However, the crystallization temperature increases and crystallization rate drops with an increase of Fe doping content. Fe doping content should be less than the solid solubility limit so that Fe-doped Ge-Sb-Te has both magnetic property and phase change features. Fe-doped Ge-Sb-Te at crystalline state shows p-type conduction and has a high hole concentration. The Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida indirect interaction via carriers is the origin of the ferromagnetism in Fe-doped Ge-Sb-Te.