The main challenge in understanding the relation between the structure and properties of metallic glasses is describing their structure at the atomic level. Currently, their structures are considered simply disordered and indeed our understanding of their structure is as undefined as this term. Following the most advanced structural models of metallic glasses that are based on metal clusters, a bottom-up approach to fabrication of metallic glasses using cluster beam technology is introduced. Using metal clusters to fabricate metallic glasses from the bottom-up, that is, formation of cluster-assembled metallic glasses, provides us with the possibility of varying their structure at the atomic level while keeping their composition unchanged. A unique feature working with cluster-assembled metallic glasses is the independent control of their structure and composition. The advantages of this approach are presented, and its potential toward the resolution of structure–property puzzle in metallic glasses is demonstrated along with the main challenges.
Part of the book: Metallic Glasses