This research examines phase stability in binary and ternary alloys. Synchrotron x-radiation small angle scattering is employed to analyze diffusion and phase separation in thin films. An improved processing method produces multilayer thin films, which are characterized by analytical electron microscopy in phase diagram and diffusion experiments. The thermodynamics of the aluminum-lithium alloy system are examined to determine metastable phase decomposition reaction that could affect properties. Quantum mechanical prediction of ordering are being extended to ternary systems.
