Correlation between Local Structure Order and Spatial Heterogeneity in a Metallic Glass

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Metallic glasses exhibit nanoscale spatial heterogeneity, but its structural basis is poorly understood.
• Experimental and theoretical studies confirm heterogeneity, yet a detailed structural depiction is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally characterize the spatial heterogeneity of metallic glasses at the nanoscale.
• To elucidate the relationship between local structure and density fluctuations in metallic glasses.

Main Methods:

• Utilized state-of-the-art angstrom-beam electron diffraction (ABED).
• Employed scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM).

Main Results:

• Revealed a correlation between nanoscale spatial heterogeneity and density fluctuations.
• Demonstrated that local structure varies from icosahedron-like to tetragonal crystal-like orders.
• Provided subnanoscale electron diffraction insights into structural inhomogeneity.

Conclusions:

• The study provides crucial structural insights into the spatial heterogeneity of metallic glasses.
• Understanding these structural variations is key to comprehending metallic glass properties and dynamics.
• This work bridges the gap between experimental observation and structural understanding of metallic glass inhomogeneity.