Local structural ordering in cluster-glass RE₂CuSi₃ (RE = Ce and Nd) compounds from HRTEM image

Direct mapping of nano-domains with short-range order was presented via high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) on cluster-glass (CG) magnetic compounds RE₂CuSi₃ (RE=Ce and Nd) related to a hexagonal AlB₂-type structure. A new image processing technique using scanning a region of interest can be used in order to obtain the information of the structural ordering with nano-meter range. The degrees of CG on the short-range order, which shows -typed superstructure spots, are consistent with those of magnetic properties. The present observations strongly support that local structures with clustering relate directly to the origin of the CG magnetic behavior in RE₂CuSi₃.