Ambient Zinc K-Edge Extended X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure Studies on Solid Solution Hardening of the Zn1−xBexSe Ternary Alloys

Solid solution hardening can be introduced in the zinc selenide by cationic substitution alloying. We are presenting our studies on gradual development of the hardening and the bond-length variations among the heavily Be-doped ternary alloys of Zn1−xBexSe. These compositionally vivid ternary systems are grown by the Bridgman technique, and a set of careful measurements of synchrotron-based Zn core X-ray absorption spectroscopy are performed on the mixed alloy, which is followed by extraction of useful oscillations of extended X-ray absorption fine structures. A detailed ab initio analysis is also carried out for the mixed alloy’s theoretical EXAFS simulations, and suitable data processing codes are used for the subsequent experimental spectra fittings. Various X-ray scattering single and multiple paths around the core atomic environ are simulated and compared with the spectroscopic results. With the aid of as-found parametric values, the hardening and crystalline disorders are discussed and explained in the midst of the multimodal bond-length behaviors and changes induced by the increased alloying amid as-found pseudocrystalline stabilities.