Direct 3D imaging of Al70.4Pd21Mn8.6 quasicrystal local atomic structure by x-ray holography

Inverse x-ray fluorescence holography was used to explore the local atomic order of a nearly perfect quasicrystal with composition Al70.4Pd21Mn8.6. We have demonstrated the possibility of direct 3D imaging of the atomic decoration in a quasicrystal. We have obtained the average 3D environment of selected coordination shells around the Mn atoms. These results open the way to obtaining further and more complete :information about the various coordination shells in complex materials by measuring multiple energy x-ray holograms at different sites.