Local order hypotheses and atomic arrangement in the glassy alloy Cu0.20As0.35Te454545by X-ray diffraction

Abstract

An analysis of the atomic radial distribution function of Cu0.20As0.35Te0 45 amorphous alloy obtained from quenching of the molten mixture of the elements, has been performed. The short-range order was determined by interpreting the radial distribution function (RDF), using a theoretical expression which takes into account the variation in the atomic scattering factors with the scattering vector module, s, and approximates them to polynomial functions. The tetraand di-coordinated copper hypotheses, quoted in the literature for glassy alloys containing this element, have been considered. It was found that only the tetra-coordinated copper hypothesis is compatible with the structural information that was experimentally obtained. A spatial atomic distribution model was generated in accordance with this copper coordination, using a conveniently modified MonteCarlo random method. A comparative analysis of the structural parameters of this model revealed good agreement with the values given in the literature for similar materials.