Anomalous Electron Transport Behavior in the α-AlMnSi Approximant Crystal: Implications for Perfect Icosahedral Crystals

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Semi-metallic and unusual transport properties similar to those previously seen in the ordered i-phases are observed in the (1/1) crystalline approximant, also known as α-AlMnSi, of the i-AlMnSi system. By examining the electronic properties of the α-phase and other related phases of perfect icosahedral (i-) crystals, one can better understand the origins of the anomalous behavior observed. It is shown that the unique band structure effects caused by the icosahedral point group symmetry in the i-phases are responsible for the unusual electronic properties as well as the tendency toward electron localization seen in this new class of semi-metallic materials. The suppression of the anomalous electronic behavior in the amorphous phases and disordered i-phases gives further evidence of the presence of these band structure effects.