Near field optical visualization of the nanoscale phase percolation dynamics of a VO₂ oscillator.

ABSTRACT: Self-sustained resistance oscillation in vanadium dioxide (VO₂) are of significant interest for phase-based information encoding applications. However, the underlying mechanism behind the current-induced insulator-to-metal phase oscillation and its spatiotemporal dynamics remains elusive. Here, using high-resolution near-field optical imaging, we uncover distinct current-induced phase transition pathways in VO₂(001) thin films. We show that the formation of a persistent metallic patch within active region, defined as the area between the electrodes in a two-terminal model device serves as a prerequisite for oscillations. In this region, transient conductive filaments as narrow as 140 nm bridge the patch to the electrodes. Additionally, we observe oscillation modulated

SUBMITTER: Tiwari K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12808705 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature