Intermediate metallic phase in VO₂ observed with scanning tunneling spectroscopy

This investigation focuses on the formation of nanoscale puddles of an intermediate metallic phase (IMP) in the metal–insulator transition (MIT) temperature regime of single-crystalline vanadium dioxide (VO₂) nanowires. The electronic structure of VO₂ nanowires was examined with scanning tunneling spectroscopy. The evolution of the local density of states of individual nanowires throughout the MIT regime is presented with differential tunneling conductance spectra and images measured as the temperature was increased. Our results show that the formation of an IMP plays an important role in the MIT of intrinsic VO₂.