In-plane positional correlations among dopants in 10H type long period stacking ordered Mg75Zn10Y15 alloy studied by X-ray fluorescence holography

Abstract

The local in-plane atomic configuration around Zn in the 10H type long period stacking ordered Mg75Zn10Y15 alloy was investigated using X-ray fluorescence holography. Clear atomic images were observed at 4.2 Å from the central Zn atom, which evidences the robustness of the L12-type Zn6Y8 clusters. On the other hand, atomic images corresponding to the Zn atoms in the adjacent L12 clusters were very weak, suggesting weak inter-cluster positional correlations. A simulation including inter-cluster positional fluctuations with the magnitude of 0.33 Å well reproduced the experimental results.