Efficient local atomic packing in metallic glasses and its correlation with glass-forming ability

We have probed local atomic structure of Zr-Cu metallic glasses using time-of-flight neutron and synchrotron x-ray diffraction techniques with high resolution. Our results provide evidence for a scheme of efficient local atomic packing where atomic clusters encompass multiple types of atoms in the first coordination shell. We also demonstrate experimental evidence of a strong correlation between the number of unlike atom bonds and the glass-forming ability. Our findings may provide insights into a broad range of scientific problems where efficient space filling by packing spheres is essential. © 2009 The American Physical Society.