Excitation energies and electron impact excitation strengths from the ground states of Ni-, Cu- and Zn-like Au ions are calculated. The collision strengths are computed by a 213-levels expansion for the Ni-like Au ion, 405-levels expansion for the Cu-like Au ion and 229-levels expansion for the Zn-like Au ion. Configuration interactions are taken into account for all levels included. The target state wavefunctions are calculated by using the Grasp92 code. The continuum orbits are computed in the distorted-wave approximation, in which the direct and exchange potentials among all the electrons are included. Excellent agreement is found when the results are compared with previous calculations and recent measurements.

The microstructure and magnetic behaviors of the Fe-Nd-Al-B alloys prepared by suction casting with zirconium addition are investigated. With the small amount of zirconium addition, the magnetic properties of the alloys change from hard magnetic property to soft magnetic property. The proper addition of Zr (6%) not only improves the glass forming ability, but also suppresses the crystallization. From the scanning electron microscopy of the [(Fe_0.53Nd_0.37Al_0.10)_0.96B_0.04]₉₄Zr₆ alloy and the local average elemental compositions determined using energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis, the amorphous phase with a composition of Fe₄₇Nd₃₈Al₁₂Zr₃ in the alloy can be observed. The bulk amorphous Fe₄₇Nd₃₈Al₁₂Zr₃ alloy is prepared by suction casting exhibiting good glass-forming ability and soft magnetic behavior.