Exact scattering cross section for lattice-defect scattering of phonons using the atomistic Green's function method

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Author: Ong, Zhun-Yong
Format: Preprint
Published: 2024
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author Ong, Zhun-Yong
author_facet Ong, Zhun-Yong
contents The use of structurally complex lattice defects, such as functional groups, embedded nanoparticles, and nanopillars, to generate phonon scattering is a popular approach in phonon engineering for thermoelectric applications. However, the theoretical treatment of this scattering phenomenon remains a formidable challenge, especially with regard to the determination of the scattering cross sections and rates associated with such lattice defects. Using the extended atomistic Green's function (AGF) method, we describe how the numerically exact mode-resolved scattering cross section $σ$ can be computed for a phonon scattered by a single lattice defect. We illustrate the generality and utility of the AGF-based treatment with two examples. In the first example, we treat the isotopic scattering of phonons in a harmonic chain of atoms . In the second example, we treat the more complex problem of phonon scattering in a carbon nanotube (CNT) containing an encapsulated C60 molecule which acts as a scatterer of the CNT phonons. The application of this method can enable a more precise characterization of lattice-defect scattering and result in a more controlled use of nanostructuring and lattice defects in phonon engineering for thermoelectric applications.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2408_17004
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Exact scattering cross section for lattice-defect scattering of phonons using the atomistic Green's function method
Ong, Zhun-Yong
Materials Science
Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
Computational Physics
The use of structurally complex lattice defects, such as functional groups, embedded nanoparticles, and nanopillars, to generate phonon scattering is a popular approach in phonon engineering for thermoelectric applications. However, the theoretical treatment of this scattering phenomenon remains a formidable challenge, especially with regard to the determination of the scattering cross sections and rates associated with such lattice defects. Using the extended atomistic Green's function (AGF) method, we describe how the numerically exact mode-resolved scattering cross section $σ$ can be computed for a phonon scattered by a single lattice defect. We illustrate the generality and utility of the AGF-based treatment with two examples. In the first example, we treat the isotopic scattering of phonons in a harmonic chain of atoms . In the second example, we treat the more complex problem of phonon scattering in a carbon nanotube (CNT) containing an encapsulated C60 molecule which acts as a scatterer of the CNT phonons. The application of this method can enable a more precise characterization of lattice-defect scattering and result in a more controlled use of nanostructuring and lattice defects in phonon engineering for thermoelectric applications.
title Exact scattering cross section for lattice-defect scattering of phonons using the atomistic Green's function method
topic Materials Science
Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
Computational Physics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2408.17004