J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 13 (27 August 2001) 7645-7658

Lattice dynamics and inelastic nuclear resonant x-ray scattering

E E Alp, W Sturhahn and T S Toellner
Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, 
USA

Received 31 July 2001
Published 9 August 2001 

Abstract. Measurements of thermal and elastic properties of materials, 
such as the phonon density of states, specific heat, and speed of sound, 
by a new x-ray scattering technique are presented. Inelastic nuclear
resonant scattering of x-rays produced from new electron storage rings, 
coupled with advances in high-energy-resolution crystal optics, and fast 
detectors have enabled the development of a new method of analysing the
energy loss in a scattering process with a resolution of 107 or better in 
the x-ray region of 6-30 keV. Some unique aspects such as element 
(isotope) selectivity, the amount of material needed for analysis 
(nanograms),
and the physical size to which x-rays can be focused (5 µm or better) 
favour this approach over the more established techniques of neutron 
scattering and Mössbauer and Raman spectroscopy. Applications to several
unique cases - for example, those of multilayers and high pressure - are 
discussed.

URL: stacks.iop.org/0953-8984/13/7645
DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/13/34/311
PII: S0953-8984(01)27374-3