Imaging Phonons: Acoustic Wave Propagation in Solids [Paperback]

James P. Wolfe (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521022088 | ISBN-13: 978-0521022088 | Publication Date: November 10, 2005

Drop a pebble in a pond and the results are predictable: circular waves flow from the point of impact. Hit a point on a crystalline solid, however, and the expanding waves are highly nonspherical; the elasticity of a crystal is anisotropic. This book provides a fresh look at the vibrational properties of crystalline solids, elucidated by new imaging techniques. From the megahertz vibrations of ultrasound to the near-terahertz vibrations associated with heat, the underlying elastic anisotropy of the crystal asserts itself. Phonons are elementary vibrations that affect many properties of solids--thermal, electrical, and magnetic. This text covers the basic theory and experimental observations of phonon propagation in solids. Phonon imaging techniques provide physical insights into such topics as phonon focusing, lattice dynamics, and ultrasound propagation. Scattering of phonons from interfaces, superlattices, defects, and electrons are treated in detail. The book includes many striking and original illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Imaging Phonons will be of relevance to applications as diverse as non-destructive testing of composites and single-crystal alloys, acoustic microscopy of semiconductors and opto-electronic materials, and surface Brillouin spectroscopy of crystalline layers and coatings. The author has produced a masterpiece.' Andrew Briggs, The Times Higher Education Supplement

'Jim Wolfe's book provides a comprehensive and highly readable review ... The images are spectacular and display all the features of geometrical optics ... Wolfe is an excellent teacher as well as a researcher and anyone whose work connects with phonons will gain from giving the book more careful attention ... should be in the library of any University that has a solid state physics group and anyone working with phonons will want to own a copy.' Professor L. J. Challis, Contemporary Physics

Book Description

Drop a pebble in a pond and the results are quite predicable: circular waves flow from the point of impact. Hit a point on a crystalline solid, however, and the expanding waves are highly non-spherical; the elasticity of a crystal is anisotropic. This book provides a fresh look at the vibrational properties of crystalline solids, elucidated by new imaging techniques. From the megahertz vibrations of ultrasound to the near-terahertz vibrations associated with heat, the underlying elastic anisotropy of the crystal asserts itself. Written from the viewpoint of an experimentalist, the text contains both the basic theory of wave propagation in solids and its experimental applications in revealing the vibrational structure of anisotropic materials. The book includes many striking and original illustrations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 428 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (November 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521022088
• ISBN-13: 978-0521022088
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,681,995 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Phonon Imaging can change your life, September 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Imaging Phonons: Acoustic Wave Propagation in Solids (Hardcover)

Jim Wolfe, the guru of the Phonon Imaging Movement, taught me to relax using Acoustic Waves. I used to be a stressed junior faculty member, but now I'm a confident young scientist thanks to critical-cone channelling of my energies. I've introduced all my friends to phonon imaging!