The static structure factor S(q) of liquid germanium is determined at 1123K by neutron diffraction techniques in the range from 0.4 to 8.5 AA-1. The structure factor shows a clear low-lying shoulder on the high side of the scattering angle, near the first peak of S(q). These two peaks indicate a dual structure of the germanium melt. The first one characterises the short-range order and the 'irregular' one is associated with a certain degeneracy of the atomic states of the liquid around the imperfections of the structure, which appear as single vacancies.

The structure factor in liquid Sn has been measured, using the neutron diffraction technique, in the temperature range from the melting point up to 870 degrees C. A wide region of momentum transfer 0.5 AA-1<Q<14 AA-1, has also been covered. Diffraction patterns show the presence of a double structure up to 500 degrees C. Comparison is made with the theoretical structure factor obtained from the hard-sphere interaction potential. From the experimental structure factor, the atomic radial distribution functions are derived.

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