1. Structural hierarchy as a key to complex phase selection
Q (Å-1)
We show that crystal genes connect amorphous and crystalline phases during crystallization. Amorphous Al90Sm10 alloys prepared by different techniques display different initial devitrification pathways. However, both devitrified phases share a common motif (crystal gene [3]) with the amorphous alloy.
θ phase[2]
Q (Å-1)
Amorphous Al90Sm10
Melt spun
Sputtered
Future directions – Address key challenges in modeling of nucleation in undercooled liquids:
Calculate nucleation rate of different crystal phases in undercooled liquid as a function of temperature.
Examine the effects of changing chemical composition of liquid on nucleation rate.
Examine the effects of short-range order in liquids on nucleation rate.
[1] Z. Ye, F. Zhang, Y. Sun, M. C. Nguyen, S. H. Zhou, L. Zhou, F. Meng, R. T. Ott, E. S. Park, M. F. Besser, M. J. Kramer, Z.-J.
Ding, M. I. Mendelev, C.-Z. Wang, and K.-M. Ho, Phys. Rev. Mater., accepted (2017).
[2] Z. Ye, F. Zhang, Y. Sun, M. I. Mendelev, R. T. Ott, E. Park, M. F. Besser, M. J. Kramer, Z. Ding, C. Z. Wang, and K. M. Ho,
Appl. Phys. Lett. 106, (2015).
[3] Y. Sun, F. Zhang, Z. Ye, Y. Zhang, X. Fang, Z. Ding, C.-Z. Wang, M.I. Mendelev, R.T. Ott, M.J. Kramer, K.-M. Ho, Sci. Rep. 6
23734 (2016).