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Glassy to icosahedral phase transformation in Pd-U-Si alloys

Journal Article · · Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States)

We observe for the first time the transformation of glassy alloys (Pd/sub 100-x/ - yU/sub x/Si/sub y/, x approx. = y approx. = 20 at.%) into a metastable I phase with quasicrystalline order upon annealing. The icosehdral symmetry of the I phase is confirmed by x-ray and electron diffraction. This phase can be formed only within a very narrow compositional range (<2 at.%) of U and Si, suggestive of a strong chemical ordering in it. The icosahedral and glassy phases have similar electrical transport properties. However, magnetic-susceptibility results indicate that the electronic structure of the I phase is very different from its glassy and crystalline (UPd/sub 3/) counterparts.

Research Organization:
Department of Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22901
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-82
OSTI ID:
6269795
Journal Information:
Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 55:21; ISSN PRLTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English