Mössbauer effect at low T versus high T, making phonons.

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In summary, the presence of more phonons in a heated crystal enhances the probability of an emitting nucleus to produce another phonon due to the difference between spontaneous and stimulated emission, where the probability of creating a phonon is proportional to the number of existing phonons plus one. This concept was explained by DrDu in a simple manner.
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Spinnor
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We read that when a crystal used in the Mössbauer effect is cooled we enhance the odds of a nucleus emitting a gamma ray with no crystal phonons being produced. When the crystal is heated there are more phonons around then at lower temperatures. How does the presents of more phonons enhance the probability of an emitting nucleus to produce another phonon as opposed to just giving the crystal as a whole just translational energy?

Thanks for any help!
 
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  • #2
That's the difference between spontaneous and stimulated emission. The probability, to create a phonon when there are already n present, is proportional n+1.
 
  • #3
Ouch, that was simple! Thank you DrDu!
 

1. What is the Mössbauer effect at low temperature?

The Mössbauer effect at low temperature refers to the phenomenon where the emission or absorption of gamma rays by a nucleus is influenced by the temperature of the material. This effect was discovered by Rudolf Mössbauer in 1957 and is commonly observed in materials such as iron.

2. How does the Mössbauer effect at low temperature differ from high temperature?

The main difference between the Mössbauer effect at low temperature and high temperature is the influence of phonons. At low temperatures, the motion of phonons is minimal and their contribution to the energy levels of the nuclei is negligible. However, at high temperatures, the motion of phonons becomes more significant and can lead to broadening of the Mössbauer resonance peak.

3. What role do phonons play in the Mössbauer effect?

Phonons are lattice vibrations within a material that can affect the energy levels of the nuclei. In the Mössbauer effect, phonons can cause the energy levels of the nuclei to shift, resulting in a broadening of the Mössbauer resonance peak. This effect is more prominent at high temperatures when the motion of phonons is more significant.

4. Can the Mössbauer effect be observed at room temperature?

Yes, the Mössbauer effect can be observed at room temperature. However, at higher temperatures, the effect can become more complex due to the contribution of phonons. At room temperature, the movement of phonons is still present but is not as significant as at high temperatures.

5. How is the Mössbauer effect used in scientific research?

The Mössbauer effect is commonly used in scientific research to study the properties of materials at the atomic level. It can provide information about the magnetic and crystalline structure of materials, as well as their relaxation and diffusion behavior. This technique is particularly useful in studying materials that have low thermal conductivity or are difficult to synthesize in a single crystal form.

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