Abstract

We have used focused ion beam (FIB) milling and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to prepare samples of known thickness for measurement of the electron scattering elastic and inelastic mean free paths (EMFP and IMFP respectively) of three metallic glasses, Cu(64.5)Zr(35.5), Zr(50)Cu(45)Al(5), and Al(87)Y(7)Fe(5)Cu. After measuring the EMFP and IMFP in a scanning transmission electron microscope, we used the FIB to coat the lamellae with carbon on the top and bottom surfaces, which eliminated secondary electron emission from those surfaces and made SEM measurements of their thickness more reliable. At 200 kV, we find IMFP/ EMFP values of 146±2/43±1, 163±1/41±1, and 149±1/85±1 nm, respectively for the three glass compositions. Our results differ from available models for the IMFP by as much as 50%.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.