Solving Phonon Excitation in Diatomic Lattices

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on demonstrating that in an acoustic mode of vibration in a diatomic lattice, the relationship \(\omega \propto k\) holds for small wave vectors \(k\). The key equations involved are derived from the motion of atoms in the lattice, specifically using the equations \(A_1(\omega^2M - \frac{2T}{a}) + A_2(\frac{2T}{a} \cos(ka)) = 0\) and \(A_1(\frac{2T}{a} \cos(ka)) + A_2(\omega^2m - \frac{2T}{a}) = 0\). The final result shows that \(\omega^2 = \frac{2T}{\sqrt{Mm}}k\), confirming the proportionality and identifying the constant of proportionality as \(\frac{2T}{\sqrt{Mm}}\).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of diatomic lattices and acoustic modes of vibration
  • Familiarity with wave vector \(k\) and its significance in solid-state physics
  • Knowledge of the small angle approximation in trigonometric functions
  • Proficiency in manipulating algebraic expressions and square roots
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of phonon dispersion relations in diatomic lattices
  • Learn about the small angle approximation and its applications in physics
  • Explore the implications of acoustic modes in solid-state physics
  • Investigate the role of tension \(T\) and atomic masses \(M\) and \(m\) in lattice dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in solid-state physics, particularly those focusing on lattice dynamics and phonon behavior in materials. This discussion is also beneficial for anyone studying wave propagation in crystalline structures.

aabb009
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Homework Statement


Ok, I need to show that in an acoustic mode of vibration in a diatomic lattice, for small [tex]k[/tex], [tex]\omega \propto k[/tex], and find the constant of proportionality.

Homework Equations


[tex]A_1\left(\omega^2M-\frac{2T}{a}\right)+A_2\left(\frac{2T}{a}cos(ka)\right)=0[/tex]
, and
[tex]A_1\left(\frac{2T}{a}cos(ka)\right)+A_2\left(\omega^2m-\frac{2T}{a}\right)=0[/tex]
hence:
[tex]\omega^2 = \frac{T}{a}\left[\frac{1}{M} + \frac{1}{m}\right] - \frac{T}{a}\left[\left(\frac{1}{M}+\frac{1}{m}\right)^2-\frac{4sin^2(ka)}{Mm}\right]^{1/2}[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


I work through it, but repeatedly find that [tex]\omega^2 \propto k[/tex], and I can't see anyway of getting a [tex]k^2[/tex] factor on the right.
[tex]\omega^2 = \frac{T}{a}\left[\left(\frac{1}{M} + \frac{1}{m}\right) - \sqrt{\left(\frac{1}{M}+\frac{1}{m}\right)^2-\frac{4sin^2(ka)}{Mm}}\right][/tex]
[tex]\omega^2 = \frac{T}{a}\left[\left(\frac{1}{M} + \frac{1}{m}\right) - \sqrt{\left(\frac{1}{M}+\frac{1}{m}\right)^2\left[1-\frac{Mm4sin^2(ka)}{(M+m)^2}\right]}\right][/tex]
[tex]\omega^2 = \frac{T}{a}\left(\frac{M+m}{Mm}\right)\left[1 - \sqrt{\left[1-\frac{Mm4sin^2(ka)}{(M+m)^2}\right]}\right][/tex]
with small angle approximation we get:
[tex]\omega^2 = \frac{T}{a}\left(\frac{M+m}{Mm}\right)\left[1 - \sqrt{1+\frac{4Mmk^2a^2}{(M+m)^2}}\right][/tex]
[tex]\omega^2 = \frac{T}{a}\left(\frac{M+m}{Mm}\right)\left(1-1+\frac{2\sqrt{Mm}ka}{m+M}\right)[/tex]
hence
[tex]\omega^2 = \frac{2T}{\sqrt{Mm}}k[/tex]

Where am I going wrong? I don't see any way to prove this.
 
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aabb009 said:

Homework Statement


Ok, I need to show that in an acoustic mode of vibration in a diatomic lattice, for small [tex]k[/tex], [tex]\omega \propto k[/tex], and find the constant of proportionality.

Homework Equations


[tex]A_1\left(\omega^2M-\frac{2T}{a}\right)+A_2\left(\frac{2T}{a}cos(ka)\right)=0[/tex]
, and
[tex]A_1\left(\frac{2T}{a}cos(ka)\right)+A_2\left(\omega^2m-\frac{2T}{a}\right)=0[/tex]
hence:
[tex]\omega^2 = \frac{T}{a}\left[\frac{1}{M} + \frac{1}{m}\right] - \frac{T}{a}\left[\left(\frac{1}{M}+\frac{1}{m}\right)^2-\frac{4sin^2(ka)}{Mm}\right]^{1/2}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I work through it, but repeatedly find that [tex]\omega^2 \propto k[/tex], and I can't see anyway of getting a [tex]k^2[/tex] factor on the right.
[tex]\omega^2 = \frac{T}{a}\left[\left(\frac{1}{M} + \frac{1}{m}\right) - \sqrt{\left(\frac{1}{M}+\frac{1}{m}\right)^2-\frac{4sin^2(ka)}{Mm}}\right][/tex]
[tex]\omega^2 = \frac{T}{a}\left[\left(\frac{1}{M} + \frac{1}{m}\right) - \sqrt{\left(\frac{1}{M}+\frac{1}{m}\right)^2\left[1-\frac{Mm4sin^2(ka)}{(M+m)^2}\right]}\right][/tex]
[tex]\omega^2 = \frac{T}{a}\left(\frac{M+m}{Mm}\right)\left[1 - \sqrt{\left[1-\frac{Mm4sin^2(ka)}{(M+m)^2}\right]}\right][/tex]
the next step is wrong, you changed a minus into a plus between the terms in the sqrt
with small angle approximation we get:
[tex]\omega^2 = \frac{T}{a}\left(\frac{M+m}{Mm}\right)\left[1 - \sqrt{1+\frac{4Mmk^2a^2}{(M+m)^2}}\right][/tex]
the next step is wrong. you didn't use the right expansion of sqrt(1-x). use
[tex] \sqrt(1-x)\approx 1-x/2[/tex]
[tex]\omega^2 = \frac{T}{a}\left(\frac{M+m}{Mm}\right)\left(1-1+\frac{2\sqrt{Mm}ka}{m+M}\right)[/tex]
hence
[tex]\omega^2 = \frac{2T}{\sqrt{Mm}}k[/tex]

Where am I going wrong? I don't see any way to prove this.
 
Last edited:

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