The physics of metal-insulator transition is one of the most fascinating phenomena in modern day solid state sciences. It is well researched for years and till date remain an open question. The process of transition from a metal (which has extended states) to an insulator (that has localized states) is not explainable within the frame work of a comprehensive theory till date, where disorder and electron correlation effects can be present together . In these schemes of things oxides that show temperature driven metal-insulator transition form a special class that can have very highly resistive metallic phase co-existing with insulating phase in the transition region.
This talk will present an account of experimental pursuits, that allows us to get some new perspectives of metal- insulator transition in oxide films close to the transition region where co-existence of phases play an important role. The discussion will be on oxide materials like manganites, VO2 and NdNiO3. In particular, we will show results of investigation using Scanning Probe Microscopy/Spectroscopy as well as 1/f noise spectroscopy done across the transition region where the static and dynamic nature of the phase co- existence can be probed.
