R. Grigorovici, R. Mănăila
Aug 1, 1969
Citations
0
Influential Citations
69
Citations
Journal
Journal of Non-crystalline Solids
Abstract
Abstract The structure of amorphous germanium is described by an array of atoms, linked together in distorted tetrahedra. There is a limited number of short-range orders with only two admitted configurations (staggered and eclipsed) present if all bonds are to be satisfied (ideal structure). Analysis of the ideal structures shows that in small clusters groups with five-fold symmetry, containing preferentially eclipsed bonds are energetically favoured, thus explaining the formation of an amorphous phase when germanium is built up atom by atom at sufficiently low temperature. Defects can be introduced into the ideal structures by cumulation of misfits, by blocking of atoms in wrong configurations, when neighbouring clusters grow together, etc. The model agrees with many experimental facts and data.