Emergence of physical properties mapped in a two-component system

Abstract

Emergence of various properties is mapped in a two-component system from quantum to mesoscale, using Au-Ag alloys. Experiments are designed so that composition is the primary 'interaction' guiding the evolution of properties across 'emergent length scales'. In bulk, Au-Ag form near-ideal solid solutions at all compositions. In contrast, dramatic composition-dependent fluctuations are observed during emergence of atomic cohesion, force required to rupture the bonds, and deformation modes. These fluctuations rapidly smoothen out as volume effects drown out the boundary effects.