Investigation of the short-range order in Au-Te melts

The enthalpy of formation of the melts is slightly negative on the Te-rich side and becomes positive on the Au-rich side. There are two regions in which the enthalpy of formation of the liquid does not depend on temperature but in a narrow temperature range the enthalpy of formation of the melt undergoes a sudden jump corresponding to an increase of enthalpy with increasing temperature. When the enthalpy of formation of the melts is strongly negative, such a jump can be attributed to the destruction of some short-range order by thermal agitation. It does not seem to be the case here and the aim of this paper is to try to explain the unusual behaviour of the Au-Te melts. (orig.)