Extended X-ray absorption fine structure investigations of Nb3Ge0.26Al0.74

Abstract We have performed Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) studies of the high- T c ternary superconducting alloy Nb 3 Ge 0.26 Al 0.74 above the Ge K-edge. The EXAFS indicates that the local environment surrounding the Ge atoms is characterized by a high degree of structural order, similar to that found in previous investigations of high- T c Nb 3 Ge thin films. We also present direct “microscopic” structural evidence that this material is a solid solution of Nb 3 Ge and Nb 3 Al. No evidence of Nb 3 Ge microcrystals is observed.