Origin of the “Waterfall” Effect in Phonon Dispersion of Relaxor Perovskites

J. Hlinka, S. Kamba, J. Petzelt, J. Kulda, C. A. Randall, S. J. Zhang

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Abstract

We have undertaken an inelastic neutron scattering study of the perovskite relaxor ferroelectric [Formula presented] with 8% [Formula presented] (PZN-8%PT) in order to elucidate the origin of the previously reported unusual kink on the low frequency transverse phonon dispersion curve (known as the “waterfall effect”). We show that its position ([Formula presented]) depends on the choice of the Brillouin zone and that the relation of [Formula presented] to the size of the polar nanoregions is highly improbable. The waterfall phenomenon is explained in the framework of a simple model of coupled damped harmonic oscillators representing the acoustic and optic phonon branches.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalPhysical review letters
Volume91
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 5 2003

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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