Structure determination of nanostructured Ni–Co films by anomalous x-ray scattering

Conventional x-ray diffraction failed to provide correct information on alloying of materials made of elements with close lattice parameters, even for elements commonly accepted to have miscibility. Using anomalous x-ray scattering, we showed that nanostructured NiCo films did not necessarily form solid solution as expected from their phase diagram or suggested by the results of conventional x-ray diffraction.