Nucleation of nanosize particles following the spinodal decomposition in the pseudo-ternary Ge0.6Sn0.1Pb0.3Te compound

Demixing following a spinodal decomposition, takes place in Sn-lean compounds in the pseudo-ternary (Ge, Sn, Pb)Te system, giving rise to both Pb- and Ge-rich telluride areas. After quenching from the high-temperature single cubic phase in the course of an aging treatment at 663 K, a Ge0.6Sn0.1Pb0.3Te sample undergoes several microstructural stages. The last stage consists of nucleation and growth of nanosize particles which maintain their dimensional stability for relatively extended periods of time.