Abstract
Phonon dispersion curves were obtained from inelastic x-ray and neutron scattering measurements on α-uranium single crystals at temperatures from 298 to 573 K. Both measurements showed a softening and an abrupt loss of intensity in the longitudinal optic branch along [00ζ] above 450 K. Above the same temperature a new dynamical mode of comparable intensity emerges along the [01ζ] zone boundary with energy near the top of the phonon spectrum. The new mode forms without a structural transition but coincides with an anomaly in the mechanical deformation behavior. We argue that the mode is an intrinsically localized vibration and formed as a result of a strong electron-phonon interaction.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 125501 |
Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 96 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2006 |
Externally published | Yes |