A model of low-frequency Raman scattering in glasses: Comparison of Brillouin and Raman data

A model of the low-frequency Raman scattering intensity in glasses is proposed, which describes the spectrum in the region of the boson peak, typical of glasses. The model considers the boson peak as a result of first-order light scattering by harmonic quasilocalized vibrations. The amplitude, frequency, and polarization dependence of the light on the vibrational coupling coefficient C(ω) are estimated. The model predicts a linear frequency dependence of C(ω) in the region of the boson peak and the depolarization ratio as a function of the relative contribution of the longitudinal and transverse-type motions which comprise these quasilocal vibrational modes. Low-frequency Raman and Brillouin measurements have been made on SiO₂ glass in order to check the predictions of the model regarding the amplitude and integrated intensity of the boson peak. The estimated ratio of these values to those of the Brillouin lines are in good agreement with experiment. Comparison of the theoretical and experimental values of the depolarization ratio for the boson peak shows a predominance of the transverse-type atomic motions in the low-frequency quasilocalized vibrational modes in glasses.