Optical-diffraction methods of studying the electron-diffraction patterns of thin films of copper-gold alloys

Superlattice formation in thin films of copper-gold alloys has been studied by the use of optical-diffraction analogues. Fraunhofer diffraction patterns of arrangements of holes in opaque screens have been compared with electron-diffraction patterns of the alloy films. It has been found possible to draw some general conclusions about the ways in which the antiphase domains fit together to produce certain characteristics of the electron-diffraction patterns. Some ideas are put forward about the growth of superlattices.