Evidence concerning the effect of topology on electrical switching in chalcogenide network glasses

Electrical switching properties of Ge-As-Te glasses have been investigated over a wide range of mean coordination numbers ([r]) in a single composition tie line. The results obtained clearly indicate; the modulation of the composition dependence of switching fields by network topology. Distinct change is observed in the slope of the composition dependence of switching field, at x = 25 ([r] = 2.4) and x = 52.5 ([r] = 2.67), which correspond to mechanical and chemical thresholds, respectively. Present results also rule out the earlier suggestions such as shilling of percolation threshold to higher [r] values and the likelihood of two isolated rigidity percolation thresholds in such glass systems.