Fast-crystallizing Sb-based thin films under pico- and nanosecond laser pulses

Abstract Crystallization is triggered in Sb-rich GeSb and SbO amorphous films by irradiation with short (nanosecond) and ultrashort (picosecond) laser pulses. Crystallization is accompanied by optical contrast and the process ends within the nanosecond time scale, independently of the irradiation pulse length (nano- or picosecond). In GeSb alloys the observed process always involves melting and rapid solidification. The observed changes in the film optical properties both during and after laser irradiation are consistent with the formation of Sb crystals with no evidence of other crystalline phases.