X-ray diffraction study of lead-tellurium alloys prepared by rapid quenching (10(7)-10(8) K/s)

Liquid-quenched (10(7)-10(8) Ws) Pb-Te alloys were studied by x-ray diffrac tion. Rapid solidification gives rise to the formation of new, metastable c rystalline and glassy phases. In particular, a new fee phase (gamma-phase) is identified, and the range of tellurium-based solid solutions is found to become much wider. Raising the quenching temperature leads to the formatio n of a glassy phase and extends the range of the metastable gamma-phase tow ard PbTe. The lattice parameters of the tellurium-based solid solutions and gamma-phase are determined, and the kinetics of rapid solidification are e xamined. The new phases are found to be fairly stable at room temperature.