PuGa alloys: an X-ray absorption study

Local structure and vibrational properties ofα′−Pumartensite in Ga-stabilized δ-Pu

“…This contraction of about 4% (⌬R ␦ ϭϪ0.11 Å) is comparable to that observed by earlier EXAFS studies on ␦-Pu. 11,[21][22][23] Secondly, both the Pu and Ga EXAFS demonstrate mixed phase character and show the existence of short and long bond components whose lengths agree with the expected average structure of ␣Ј-Pu. In addition, by comparison of the measured ␣Ј-Pu component bond lengths to the model EX-AFS calculations shown in Fig.…”

Study by XRD of the lattice swelling of PuGa alloys induced by self-irradiation

“…However, the plutonium-gallium alloy stabilized in the d-phase at room temperature is metastable and undergoes an extremely slow eutectoid decomposition to a mixture of a-plutonium and Pu 3 Ga. The stabilizing mechanisms induced by such additions are still not understood [1][2][3][4].…”

Invar effect in Pu-Ga alloys

“…From the large negative deviation from Vegard's law observed for Pu-Ga alloys, it is clear that it is the lower-volume higher-energy S2 state that is locally stabilized by Ga. Confirmation of this view comes from the available extended X-ray absorption fine-structure data (Cox et al 1995, Faure et al 1996, Richard et al 1998, Conradson 2000, which show unambiguously that there is a local collapse around the Ga atoms. Faure et al (1996) discussed 6-phase stabilization by Ga alloying in terms of increased electronic hybridization between Pu and Ga states.…”