Introduction to Lattice Dynamics

The vibrations of atoms inside crystals - lattice dynamics - are basic to many fields of study in the solid state and mineral sciences, and lattice dynamics is becoming increasingly important for work on mineral stability. This book provides a self-contained text that introduces the subject from a basic level and then takes the reader, through applications of the theory, to research level. Simple systems are used for the development of the general principles. More complex systems are then introduced and later chapters look at thermodynamics, elasticity, phase transitions and quantum effects. Experimental and computational methods are described and applications of lattice dynamics to specific studies are detailed. Appendices provide supplementary information and derivations for the Ewald method, statistical mechanics of lattice vibrations, Landau theory, scattering theory and correlation functions. The book is aimed at students and research workers in the earth and solid state sciences who need to incorporate lattice dynamics into their work.