Nanoscale Transformations in Metastable, Amorphous, Silicon-Rich Silica

Abstract

Researchers demonstrate that field-driven movement of oxygen ions causes changes in oxide structure on a much larger scale than previously thought. They that these changes are apparent at electric fields comparable to those routinely used in microelectronic and photonic devices. A comprehensive understanding of dynamic structural changes thus promises to enable new technologies in a range of fields as well as providing an understanding of the early stages of catastrophic oxide breakdown.