Extra electron reflections in concentrated alloys do not necessitate short-range order

TL;DR

This paper questions the common interpretation that diffuse superlattice intensities in concentrated alloys indicate short-range order, highlighting inconsistencies and proposing alternative explanations.

Contribution

It critically examines the link between observed electron reflections and short-range order, challenging prevailing assumptions in alloy characterization.

Findings

Diffuse intensities do not necessarily imply short-range order.

Expected peaks for short-range order are often absent.

Alternative explanations for diffuse reflections are plausible.

Abstract

In many concentrated alloys of current interest, the observation of diffuse superlattice intensities by transmission electron microscopy has been attributed to chemical short-range order. We briefly review these findings and comment on the plausibility of widespread interpretations, noting the absence of expected peaks, conflicts with theoretical predictions, and the possibility of alternative explanations.