Mode Coupling Analysis of Coherent Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering from Fluorite-Type Materials Approaching the Superionic Transition.

摘要

Neutron scattering experiments on SrCl/sub 2/, CaF/sub 2/ and PbF/sub 2/ have shown that intensity and width of the coherent diffuse quasi-elastic spectrum increase rapidly with temperature into the fast-ion conducting phase, the main feature in the integrated quasi-elastic intensity being a peak just beyond the (200) point along the (100) direction in scattering wave vector space. The Zwanzig-Mori memory function formalism is used in this work to analyze the quasi-elastic scattering cross section from charge density fluctuations in terms of anharmonic couplings between the vibrational modes of the crystal. The two- and three-mode channels are examined for compatibility with the quasi-elastic neutron scattering evidence, on the basis of (i) energy and momentum conservation and van Hove singularity arguments and (ii) measured phonon dispersion curves along the main symmetry directions in SrCl/sub 2/, CaF/sub 2/, SrF/sub 2/ and BaF/sub 2/. The analysis identifies a specific microscopic role for the Raman-active optic branches. The eigenvectors of the relevant Raman-active and partner modes in the three-mode channel describe relative displacements of the two halogens in the unit cell superposed on relative displacements of the halogen and alkaline earth components. This microscopic picture is thus consistent with the superionic transition being associated with the onset of dynamic disorder in the anionic component of the crystal. (author). 13 refs, 2 tabs. (Atomindex citation 19:064589)