A new microscopy method has allowed researchers to detect tiny changes in the atomic-level architecture of crystalline materials -- like advanced steels for ship hulls and custom silicon for electronics. The technique could advance our ability to understand the fundamental origins of materials properties and behaviour.
Until now, SRO has been challenging for researchers to measure and quantify because atomic arrangements occur at a scale so small that they are difficult to see with conventional microscopy techniques. The study focused on high entropy alloys, which are promising for various advanced engineering applications.
"This provides a template for future studies in which SRO controls critical material properties. There is lots more to do on various aspects of the analysis of SRO -- it's a hard problem, but this is an important step forward," said Professor Ringer.