The structure of the 21K superconductor ThPdxB6-2x, x - 0-65, determined by quantitative electron diffraction and through-focus electron holography

摘要

Through-focus electron holography and quantitative electron diffraction have been applied to determine the structure of the 21 K superconductor ThPdJB6 - 2* with x=_0-65. This compound adopts a cubic structure (a = 0-42nm; space group, Pm3m), which is an intermediate between the structures of the CaB6 and CU3AU. Short-range ordering results in a superstructure as is evident from diffuse streaks in the electron diffraction pattern.