Numerical Local-Index-Integration Method of Efficient Beam Propagation Simulations

Abstract

The lattice parameters of the MgCu,-type rare-earth intermetallics PrAI2 and NdAI2 have been measured from room temperature to 943 K using a Unicam 19 cm high-temperature powder camera. The data have been used to evaluate the coefficients of thermal expansion at various temperatures. It was found that the lattice parameter increases while the coefficient of thermal expansion decreases with increasing temperature in both compounds. An attempt is made to explain this behaviour in terms of crystal-field effects present in these compounds.