Atom probe tomography of the Fe2AlB2 MAB phase

Here we report the first atom probe tomography study of a bulk MAB phase, Fe 2 AlB 2 . X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy on the starting material confirm phase-purity, high crystallinity, texturing and a simple and known stoichiometry. The atom probe experiments show complex field-evaporation behaviour, a rich population of complex ions (and their disassociations), crystallographic features, and measured composition which varies strongly with acquisition conditions. Despite atomic-scale resolution, accurate crystal plane determination is not possible due to compositional biasing associated with loss of B due to high multiple ion hits. These results guide future atom probe studies into MAB phases, particularly in identifying trade-offs in atom probe experiment design.