The structure of rare earth metals in the liquid state

The structure of liquid rare earth metals (Sc, La, Ce, Pr, Eu, Gd, Tb and Yb) have been systematically examined by X-ray diffraction at temperatures above their melting points. The structure factors of liquid La, Ce, Pr, Eu and Yb were temperature insensitive in the presently available experimental temperature range. In terms of the usual Fourier analysis, the atomic radial distribution functions were obtained from which interatomic distances and coordination numbers were estimated. (author)