Abstract: The split diffuse maxima around the {110} and {100} positions in the diffraction pattern of short-range-ordered Cu1-xPdx alloys (x=0.10...0.60) are attributed to small atomic clusters, being part of the underlying fee lattice. By analyzing the reciprocal space geometry, our cluster method identifies two prominent cluster types: the tetrahedron of nearest neighbors and a linear three-points cluster along the [110] directions. Since both cluster types contain different information on the same nearest-neighbor correlations, local anisotropy has to be assumed. It is shown that the three interatomic pair interactions within these basic clusters are sufficient to generate the spot splitting in the diffraction pattern. A ground-state analysis with these interactions reproduces the results of the anisotropic next-nearest-neighbor Ising model.

Abstract: Cu-Pd alloys containing 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 at. % Pd and quenched from a temperature just above the ordering temperature T-c are investigated by electron diffraction and high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM). The results show diffuse electron diffraction intensities at {100} and {110} positions for the alloy with 10 at. % Pd, but with a characteristic twofold and fourfold splitting for the alloys with more than 10 at. % Pd. High-resolution images show the formation of microdomains best developed between 20 and 30 at. % Pd. A real-space characterization has been performed by applying videographic real-structure simulations revealing that the splitting of the diffuse maxima depends on the average distance between microdomains of Cu3Au type in antiphase with each other. By applying image processing routines on the HREM images, correlation vectors are identified which correspond to correlations between microdomains.

Abstract: Starting from a model of microscopic interactions between C-70 molecules, we have developed a theory which describes the orientational dynamics and its coupling to lattice displacements in the rhombohedral phase of C-70 fullerite. The Landau free energy is calculated. We obtain a first-order phase transition to a monoclinic structure with the space group P2(1)/m. The transition is driven by the condensation of orientational quadrupoles at the F point of the Brillouin zone of the rhombohedral lattice. We find no evidence that the monoclinic structure is connected with the freezing in of orientations around the fivefold molecular axis. We calculate the lattice strains that are associated with the transition to the monoclinic structure. The theory is compared with a range of experimental data on the phase transition.