Experimental evidence of the formation of d-like states near the Fermi energy in complex metallic alloys

Abstract

The structure of the valence bands in a number of complex alloys was investigated using X-ray emission spectroscopy, focusing on the distribution of d-like states in a series of Al- and Mg-based alloys. A substantial density of d-like states was found at or just under the Fermi level in the Al s,d and Mg s,d distributions of these complex systems. It is suggested that d-like states play a significant role in local symmetry of the crystals and contribute to selecting and stabilizing their structures.

Acknowledgments

Professor U. Mizutani (Nagoya University and Toyota Research Centre, Japan) is thanked for providing the Al–Mg–Zn specimens. Financial support from the European Commission under contract NMP3-CT-2005-500140 (CMA European Network of Excellence) is also gratefully acknowledged.