Ultrasonic consequences of the Jahn-Teller effect

Abstract

Contribution of the Jahn-Teller system to the elastic moduli and ultrasonic wave attenuation of the diluted crystals is discussed in the frames of phenomenological approach and on the basis of quantum-mechanical theory. Both, resonant and relaxation processes are considered. The procedure of distinguishing the nature of the anomalies (either resonant or relaxation) in the elastic moduli and attenuation of ultrasound as well as generalized method for reconstruction of the relaxation time temperature dependence are described in detail. Particular attention is paid to the physical parameters of the Jahn-Teller complex that could be determined using the ultrasonic technique, namely, the potential barrier, the type of the vibronic modes and their frequency, the tunnelling splitting, the deformation potential and the energy of inevitable strain. The experimental results obtained in some zinc-blende crystals doped with 3d ions are presented.