ABSTRACT OF HONORS PROJECT Project report Andrews University College of Arts and Sciences Title: X-RAY RADIAL DISTRIBUTION STUDIES OF AMORPHOUS GERMANIUM-ANTIMONY-CHALCOGEN ALLOYS Name of researcher: Keith G. Calkins Name of faculty advisor: S. Clark Rowland, Ph.D. Date completed: September 1988 A 1985 x-ray radial distribution function (rdf) study of amorphous germanium-antimony-chalcogen alloys needed careful reanalysis due to inconsistent results. This study was the latest in a series of rdf studies involving a metal (Pd, Sn, Ag, Bi) in a germanium-chalcogen glass. As part of the reanalysis, new data on old samples as well as data on a new sample had to be analyzed. There was also a need for written procedures for the computer analysis and other aspects of this research. Density estimates and measurements were made and compared with prior estimates. A density measurement procedure was written. Computer programs were carefully checked for accuracy, corrections made, documentation and enhancements added, and a computer analysis procedure written. It was concluded that the coordination number of antimony is between 3.0 and 4.0. Two sulfur samples (20.00 and 25.00 at. % antimony) yielded coordination numbers significantly higher than the others. In addition, these two samples are well represented by both models considered, possibly yielding even higher results. Excluding these two samples, all coordination numbers were in the range 3.0- 3.6. This range is consistent with a coordination number of three as expected from the 8-N rule. Chalcogen coordination numbers of 1.7-2.1 were obtained, also consistent with the expected value of two. As a result of this project, not only were new, publishable results obtained, but also the accuracy and repeatability of future radial distribution studies should be increased. Improved recording of procedures done and organization of laboratory notes should also occur with less effort expended.