Neutron Studies of Disordered Alloys: a Brief Review/Update

Abstract

ABSTRACTBoth neutron and X-ray scattering are used to determine the pair correlation functions (short-range order), the atomic displacements arising from atom size disparity, and the (derived) effective pair interactions in binary alloy solid solutions. This enterprise has taken on a new vitality through concomitant advances in both electronic theory and computer modeling of the atomic arrangements in alloys. An overview of the diffuse scattering formalism will be presented with an emphasis on the ways in which neutron scattering is particularly effective in sorting out the separate contributions to the total scattering pattern. Aspects of contrast variation and enhancement, and the utilization of both elastic and inelastic scattering will be discussed and examples of both past and recent work will be covered, including some future directions. We will also note briefly the relation between local order studies and details of the electronic and the elastic response functions of alloys.