Characterization of Quasicrystals

Abstract

Quasicrystals (QCs) are binary or ternary intermetallic phases with quasiperiodic crystal structures, which can be characterized on all length scales by the same methods and techniques as periodic intermetallics. Quantitative QC structure analysis, however, is still a challenge and requires a specific approach that is in the focus of this chapter. Electronmicroscopic techniques, such as HRTEM, HAADF‐STEM, and ABF‐STEM, are discussed for the derivation of local structural features, as well as diffraction methods for the quantitative determination of the global structure. Charge flipping (CF) and low‐density elimination (LDE) are introduced as powerful tools for QC structure solution. Some fundamental problems related with QC structure analysis are addressed.