Two-dimensional quasicrystal with eightfold rotational symmetry

Abstract

A 2D quasicrystal with an eightfold rotational axis has been found in rapidly solidified V-Ni-Si and Cr-Ni-Si alloys by means of transmission electron microscopy. The electron diffraction pattern taken along this axis shows no periodicity but a clear eightfold orientation symmetry. The corresponding high-resolution electron microscopic image agrees well with the 2D eightfold quasilattice consisting of squares and 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} rhombi.