Dynamical structure factor and frequency distribution of the metallic glass Cu46Zr54at room temperature

Abstract
The dynamical structure factor of glassy Cu46Zr54 has been measured at room temperature, for momentum transfers between 1 and 8 AA-1 and energies (h(cross) omega =E0-E) between -45 and 45 meV, using neutron inelastic scattering. From the measured time-of-flight spectra a generalised frequency distribution has been determined. The experiment was repeated after crystallisation of the sample. The results show a strong increase of low-frequency modes in the amorphous sample compared with the polycrystal, and the frequency distribution of the metallic glass shows a slope approximately omega 4/3 between 4.7 and 7 meV, where the frequency distribution of the polycrystalline sample still shows a Debye type of spectrum.