Researchers from Waseda University used angstrom-beam electron diffraction (ABED) combined with an energy filter device to observe atomic density fluctuations in silica glass. Their study revealed that these fluctuations stem from alternating chain-like columnar atomic configurations and interstitial tube-like voids. This discovery sheds light on the intermediate range order (IRO) in glasses, enhancing the understanding of their atomic structure, which can lead to advancements in materials used in batteries and other applications.
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