Impact of Thermal Neutron Radiation Doses on the Density of States in the Ge12Te80Sn8 Alloy

Abstract
This study investigates the impact of thermal neutron radiation on Ge12Te80Sn8 alloys, prepared via sudden quenching. The samples were exposed to neutron doses from the Am241-Be9 source with an efficiency of 12ci for varying periods (7, 14, and 21 days). The thermal neutron fluence was 6×1010, 12.08×1010, and 18×1010 n·cm-2, respectively. Irradiated samples exhibited enhanced electrical conductivity, attributed to reduced grain boundary scattering. Both irradiated and non-irradiated samples displayed three conduction mechanisms: Fermi level hopping at low temperatures, band tail hopping at moderate temperatures, and extended state conduction at high temperatures. The densities of localized, extended, and near-Fermi level states were all influenced by radiation. Structural analysis via scanning electron microscopy revealed progressive surface smoothing with increasing radiation dose and a reduction in grain size as the radiation magnitude increased.

Author
Dr. Ibrahim Nazem Qader

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physb.2025.418162

ISSN
0921-4526

Publish Date: 23-Dec-2025