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arXiv · 1310.3080

Diffuse scattering in metallic tin polymorphs

Abstract

The lattice dynamics of the metallic tin {\beta} and {\gamma} polymorphs has been studied by a combination of diffuse scattering, inelastic x-ray scattering and density functional perturbation theory. The non-symmorphic space group of the {\beta}-tin structure results in unusual asymmetry of thermal diffuse scattering. Strong resemblance of the diffuse scattering intensity distribution in {\beta} and {\gamma}-tin were observed, reflecting the structural relationship between the two phases and revealing the qualitative similarity of the underlying electronic potential. The strong influence of the electron subsystem on inter-ionic interactions creates anomalies in the phonon dispersion relations. All observed features are described in great detail by density functional perturbation theory for both {\beta}- and {\gamma}-tin at arbitrary momentum transfers. The combined approach delivers thus a complete picture of the lattice dynamics in harmonic description.

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Björn Wehinger, Alexeï Bosak, Giuseppe Piccolboni, Keith Refson, Dmitry Chernyshov, Alexandre Ivanov, Alexander Rumiantsev, Michael Krisch. 2013-10-11. Diffuse scattering in metallic tin polymorphs. https://doi.org/10.1088/0953-8984/26/11/115401

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