A combination of neutron, X-ray and atom-probe analysis has given researchers previously inaccessible insight to the atomic structure of a new multicomponent bulk metallic glass. The research by a team led by Xun-Li Wang of the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has revealed the structure of the complex alloy comprising zirconium, copper, nickel, aluminum and titanium with potential applications from biomedical devices to sports equipment to aerospace structures. When fabricated under exact conditions, the alloy, which would normally be crystalline, becomes amorphous a metallic glass with special properties. The researchers combined data from the separate methods to gain a better understanding of the structure behind the material's unique properties, which could lead to further, more useful advanced materials. The research, funded by DOE Office of Science, Basic Energy Science program, is featured on the cover of the current issue of the journal Advanced Materials.