Local structure probes of nanoscale heterogeneity in crystalline materials

Abstract

In the conventional model of condensed matter increasing numbers of defects break down the order and ultimately convert perfect periodic crystals into aperiodic glasses. Local structure probes of a variety of materials with non-stoichiometric compositions, multiple degenerate ordering modes, or other symmetry breaking factors identify multiple ordered arrangements of atoms that render the materials heterogeneous on the nanometer scale. While exerting apparently negligible effects on bulk properties, this heterogeneity or phase separation does influence correlated or collective properties such as magnetism and phase stability.