Application of heavy-ion-induced X-ray satellite emission to alloys

High-resolution measurements of heavy-ion-induced X-ray satellite emission (HIXSE) spectra have been obtained for a series of Mo-Ti binary alloys and V(Fe_xCo_yNi_z)₃ long-range-ordered (LRO) alloys. Variations in the relative intensity distribution of the satellite lines of these alloys were observed and are attributed to the influence of the valence-electron distribution or chemical environment of the emitting target atom. Results are also presented which demonstrate the ability of this method to differentiate between different crystal structures of the same alloy. The sensitivity of HIXSE to changes in the valence-electron environment of alloys may provide a means of probing metal valence states in metals and alloys.