Most solid state materials scientists are familiar with what can be learned from the recoil-free emission and resonant absorption of γ-rays, i.e., the Mössbauer-effect. However, fewer materials scientists are familiar with what can be learned from the emission and absorption of γ-rays that involves nuclear recoil, i.e., nuclear inelastic scattering. Because these γ-rays exchange energy with the solid lattice, information about the lattice vibrations can be obtained. First, this talk will briefly describe the theoretical basis of nuclear inelastic scattering and the experimental conditions required for its measurement. Second, two examples of studies involving nuclear inelastic scattering of γ-rays will be discussed. The first will be the study of lattice vibrations in thermoelectric compounds, specifically the CeFe4Sb12 and EuFe4Sb12 filled skutterudites. The second will be the study of lattice vibrations in spin-crossover compounds, specifically, [Fe(phen)2(NCS)2] and [Fe(ptz)6](BF4)2.

What can we learn from the nuclear inelastic scattering of γ-rays?

2019 Spring National Meeting

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