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Inverse x-ray fluorescence holography was used to explore the local atomic order of a nearly perfect quasicrystal with composition Al70. 4Pd21Mn8.6. We have demonstrated the possibility of direct 3D imaging of the atomic decoration in a quasicrystal. We have obtained the average 3D environment of selected coordination shells around the Mn atoms. These results open the way to obtaining further and more complete information about the various coordination shells in complex materials by measuring multiple energy x-ray holograms at different sites.

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The surface of the AlPdMn quasicrystal perpendicular to a fivefold axis has been probed by LEED, XPS, Auger spectroscopy and surface EXAFS.

Morphology of the fivefold symmetric quasicrystal surface of AlPdMn was investigated by x-ray reflectivity and by x-ray diffraction. X-ray experiments revealed two different morphologies depending on the surface preparation. Sputtering and annealing up to 900 K, under UHV conditions, produced a rough and facetted quasicrystal surface. These features were confirmed by atomic force microscopy and scanning tunnel microscopy measurements. We also observed that an annealing above 900 K induces a rapid and irreversible transition toward a flat surface.