arXiv subjects

Theodore Maranets

Publications and source records attributed to Theodore Maranets.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Analyzing coherent phonon mode-conversion in gradient superlattices with atomistic wave-packet simulations

In this study, we have used atomistic phonon wave-packet simulations to investigate the manifestation of coherent phonons and phonon transmission in gradient superlattices (SL) based on ordered arrangements of varied SL period sizes. We specifically explore how coherent mode-conversion in these quasi-periodic structures changes as function of three key structural parameters: (1) the number of distinct period sizes, (2) the number of periods present for each distinct period size, and (3) the arrangement of period sizes in either an ascending or descending arrangement. Comparisons to periodic SLs and aperiodic SLs are highlighted, revealing that coherent phonons in gradient SLs generally exhibit behaviors characteristic of intermediate states between the fully ordered and disordered structures. Interestingly, changes to the short-range order of GMLs does not significantly influence transmission, indicating that long-range disorder is far more important to coherent mode-conversion. Our results indicate that manipulating the long-range disorder of interfaces could be an effective strategy to tailor phonon thermal conductivity of SL architectures.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Role of interface mixing on coherent heat conduction in periodic and aperiodic superlattices

Superlattices (SLs) can induce phonon coherence through the periodic layering of two or more materials, enabling tailored thermal transport properties. While most theoretical studies assume atomically sharp, perfect interfaces, real SLs often feature atomic interdiffusion spanning approximately a single atomic layer or more. Such interface mixing can significantly influence phonon coherence and transport behavior. In this study, we employ atomistic wave-packet simulations to systematically investigate the effects of interface mixing on coherent heat conduction. Our analysis identifies two competing mechanisms that govern phonon transport across mixed interfaces: (1) Interface mixing disrupts coherent mode-conversion effects arising from the interface arrangement. (2) The disorder enhances the potential for interference events, generating additional coherent phonon transport pathways. The second mechanism enhances the transmission of Bragg-reflected modes in periodic SLs and most phonons in aperiodic SLs, which otherwise lack coherent mode-conversion in perfect structures. Conversely, the first mechanism dominates in periodic SLs for non-Bragg-reflected modes, where transmission is already high due to substantial mode-conversion. These findings provide insights into the interplay between interface imperfections and phonon coherence.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2024

How phonon coherence develops and contributes to heat conduction in periodic and aperiodic superlattices

This work investigates the impact of device length on thermal conductivity in periodic and aperiodic superlattices (SLs). While it is well known that thermal conductivity in aperiodic SLs exhibits a weaker dependence on device length compared to periodic SLs, existing literature attributes this behavior to the scattering of coherent phonons by aperiodically arranged interfaces. Through atomistic wave-packet simulations, we show that coherent phonons in aperiodic SLs have spatial extensions limited to a certain number of SL layers, which prevents transmission if the extension is shorter than the device length. Specifically, the disordered interface spacing in aperiodic SLs causes coherent phonons to behave as non-propagative vibrational modes, resulting in diffuse energy transmission. In periodic SLs, however, coherent phonons can propagate across the entire structure, enabling high transmission. The difference between ballistic transport in periodic SLs and diffuse transport in aperiodic SLs is captured in the length-dependence of phonon transmission. These findings provide new insights into phonon coherence and its implications for heat conduction in superlattices, with potential applications in the thermal design of nanostructures.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2024

Spectral heat flux redistribution upon interfacial transmission

In nonmetallic crystals, heat is transported by phonons of different frequencies, each contributing differently to the overall heat flux spectrum. In this study, we demonstrate a significant redistribution of heat flux among phonon frequencies when phonons transmit across the interface between dissimilar solids. This redistribution arises from the natural tendency of phononic heat to re-establish the equilibrium distribution characteristic of the material through which it propagates. Remarkably, while the heat flux spectra of dissimilar solids are typically distinct in their bulk forms, they can become nearly identical in superlattices or sandwich structures where the layer thicknesses are smaller than the phonon mean free paths. This phenomenon reflects that the redistribution of heat among phonon frequencies to the equilibrium distribution does not occur instantaneously at the interface, rather it develops over some time and distance.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2024

Prominent phonon transmission across aperiodic superlattice through coherent mode-conversion

In both particle and wave descriptions of phonons, the dense, aperiodically arranged interfaces in aperiodic superlattices are expected to strongly attenuate thermal transport due to phonon-interface scattering or broken long-range coherence. However, considerable thermal conductivity is still observed in these structures. In this study, we reveal that incoherent modes propagating in the aperiodic superlattice can convert, through interference, into coherent modes defined by an approximate dispersion relation. This conversion leads to high transmission across the aperiodic superlattice structure, which contains hundreds of interfaces, ultimately resulting in significant thermal conductivity. Such incoherent-to-coherent mode conversion behavior is extensively observed in periodic superlattices. This work suggests an effective strategy to manipulate the phonon band structure through layer patterning or material choice, enabling precise control of phonon transmission across aperiodic superlattices.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2024

Influence of Spatial Coherence on Phonon Transmission across Aperiodically Arranged Interfaces

In this study, we employ the atomistic wave-packet method to directly simulate coherent phonon transport and scattering dynamics in an aperiodic superlattice structure with aperiodically arranged interfaces. Our investigation reveals that interference dynamics, contingent upon the relative magnitudes of phonon wavelength, spatial coherence length, and average interface spacing, profoundly influence transmission spectra and mode-conversion behavior. Particularly, longer-wavelength phonons possessing larger coherence lengths exhibit more pronounced destructive interference and mode-conversion, leading to generally lower transmission. The insights gained into coherent phonon wave physics from this study can significantly augment the analysis and design of phononic devices.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗