In situ observation of solid-state amorphization in Nd2Fe14B alloy by electron irradiation

In situ observation of solid-state amorphization in Nd2Fe14B compound was achieved by electron irradiation method. Under 2.0 MeV electron irradiation, crystalline contrast corresponding to Nd2Fe14B crystalline phase in a bright-field image disappeared suddenly when the total dose reached a critical value. The amorphous phase was rapidly formed under electron irradiation. Solid-state amorphization process at the critical total dose seems to be analogous to thermal melting process of crystal at the melting temperature.