Cubic symmetry around iron in CoSi2

The Mössbauer spectra of ⁵⁷Fe in CoSi₂ have been measured in 3.5 and 4.0 T external magnetic fields. The measured spectra showed only magnetic splitting thereby proving the cubic symmetry around ⁵⁷Fe atoms in CoSi₂ (fluorite‐type lattice). Two iron positions were found: in one the iron atoms substitute Co atoms, in the other one the iron populates the empty cubic site in the lattice. It is considered that the results may well contribute to clarifying the atomic positions and local symmetries in metastable Co‐ and Fe‐silicides forming after implantation of Co and Fe in Si at elevated temperatures.