Probing the photothermally induced phase transitions in single-crystalline vanadium dioxide nanobeams

Using Raman spectroscopy, we demonstrated photothermally induced crystallographic phase transitions of vanadium dioxide (VO 2 ) nanobeams clamped to and free-standing on a substrate. Compared to the temperature-dependent Raman measurements, the laser-power-dependent Raman characteristics provide substantial evidence for the photothermal origin of the phase transitions of the VO 2 nanobeams. The laser power necessary to cause phase transitions in the free-standing nanobeam was approximately eight times smaller than the laser power used in the substrate-clamped nanobeam. Our study will enhance the understanding of the complex phase transitions of strongly correlated oxides and thereby provide a foundation for engineering desirable properties in novel devices.

Sung-Jin Chang, Woong-Ki Hong, Hae Jin Kim, Jin Bae Lee, Jongwon Yoon, Heung Cho Ko and Yun Suk Huh

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