Spinodal Separation in Materials Common to Topological Insulators

Abstract

Understanding and anticipating the possible phase transformation behaviors of topologically interesting material combinations is challenging due to the complexities of modeling such dynamic systems. This thesis makes use of a statistical mechanical approach to outline a method of predicting the behavior of these systems, focusing especially on the less common phase transformation of spinodal decomposition. This modeling system predicts that spinodal decomposition ought to be impossible for a BixSb1-x bimodal alloy, the oldest known material combination with topological properties. This approach could aid researchers in anticipating the phase transformation behavior of their bimodal systems, speeding research efforts and bringing topological materials closer to applications outside the laboratory.