Why is EXAFS analysis for multicomponent metals so hard? Challenges and opportunities for measuring ordering in complex concentrated alloys using x-ray absorption spectroscopy

TL;DR

This paper discusses the challenges of using EXAFS to analyze short-range order in complex concentrated alloys and proposes new methods to improve the robustness and scalability of such analyses.

Contribution

It identifies specific difficulties in EXAFS analysis of CCAs and introduces novel approaches for more reliable and scalable SRO quantification.

Findings

Characterization of challenges in EXAFS analysis for CCAs

Proposal of new methods for robust SRO measurement

Potential acceleration of CCA development through improved analysis

Abstract

Short range order is a critical driver of properties (e.g. corrosion resistance and tensile strength) in multicomponent alloys such as complex concentrated alloys (CCAs). Extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) is a powerful technique well suited for quantifying this short range order.Here, we described in detail the characteristics of CCAs that make the already challenging task of analyzing EXAFS data even more difficult. We then illustrate novel paths towards robust and scalable quantitative SRO analysis which will accelerate the scientific understanding and development of CCAs.