The β relaxation is a crucial feature in metallic glasses (MGs). However, its structural origin is not fully elucidated. Using a contact resonance atomic force microscope, we investigated the local structural heterogeneity of MGs and its correlation with β relaxations. It was found that MGs have various degrees of the heterogeneity, resulting in different intensities of β relaxations. Local zones with a prominent heterogeneity lead to a broad energy state distribution and more pronounced β relaxation. Our results provide a direct experimental evidence to clarify the mechanism of the β relaxations, suggesting a guideline for controlling β relaxations of MGs.

中文翻译：

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与金属玻璃的结构异质性相关的β弛豫过程

β弛豫是金属玻璃（MGs）的关键特征。但是，其结构起源尚未完全阐明。使用接触共振原子力显微镜，我们调查了MGs的局部结构异质性及其与β弛豫的相关性。发现MG具有不同程度的异质性，导致β弛豫的强度不同。具有明显异质性的局部区域导致较宽的能态分布和更明显的β弛豫。我们的结果提供了直接的实验证据，以阐明β弛豫的机制，为控制MGs的β弛豫提供了指导。