Inverse x-ray fluorescence holography was used to explore the local atomic order of a nearly perfect quasicrystal with composition ${\mathrm{Al}}_{70.4}{\mathrm{Pd}}_{21}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{8.6}$. We have demonstrated the possibility of direct 3D imaging of the atomic decoration in a quasicrystal. We have obtained the average 3D environment of selected coordination shells around the Mn atoms. These results open the way to obtaining further and more complete information about the various coordination shells in complex materials by measuring multiple energy x-ray holograms at different sites.

• Received 13 June 2000

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.85.4723