A phase-field simulation of bridge formation process in a nanometer-scale switch

A novel phase-field model for electrochemical processes was investigated. One of the components was charged and driven by electrostatic potential coupled with thermodynamic factors in the model. The shift in the equilibrium position of the interface correlated with the value of the voltage applied at the boundary in a one-dimensional system. Using this model, the process of bridge formation and disappearance was observed with negative and positive applied voltage in a two-dimensional system. (c) 2006 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.