Vibrational modes and quantum zero-point energy of hydrogen in ZrH0.0155 and ZrH2

Timothy R. Prisk, Alexander I. Kolesnikov, Garrett E. Granroth, Jun Li Lin, Brent J. Heuser

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5 Scopus citations

Abstract

We report on an inelastic neutron scattering study of the proton dynamics in ZrH0.0155 and ε-ZrH2. In particular, we present measurements of the incoherent dynamic structure factor, generalized vibrational density of states, and proton momentum distribution of these two materials. Our results are generally consistent with theoretical predictions of Elsässer et al. [Mat. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. 453 221–226 (1997)]. They argued that the effective Born-Oppenheimer potential experienced by the hydrogen atoms in ε-ZrH2 is nearly isotropic and harmonic at energies below 0.3 eV, but becomes anisotropic and anharmonic for higher energies. At low temperatures, the proton momentum distribution is dominated by the quantum-mechanical ground state of the protons. We find that it assumes a Gaussian shape, consistent with the concept that the potential surface is approximately harmonic for small displacements of the hydrogen atoms. However, the anharmonicity of the potential becomes readily apparent in the excited states of the hydrogen atoms, as the harmonic approximation breaks down in the description of the multiphonon bands.

Original languageEnglish
Article number152832
JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds
Volume818
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 25 2020

Funding

The authors gratefully acknowledge helpful scientific discussions with Richard T. Azuah. This work was performed with support from the US Department of Energy Nuclear Energy University Programs Integrated Research Project under contract number IRP-12-4728 (DE-00131989). A portion of this work was performed at the Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory Central Facilities, University of Illinois and this is gratefully acknowledged. This research used resources at the Spallation Neutron Source, a DOE Office of Science User Facility operated by Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Certain commercial equipment, instruments, or materials are identified in this paper in order to specify the experimental procedure adequately. This identification is not intended to imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The data sets reported in the present paper are available from the authors upon reasonable request. The authors gratefully acknowledge helpful scientific discussions with Richard T. Azuah. This work was performed with support from the US Department of Energy Nuclear Energy University Programs Integrated Research Project under contract number IRP-12-4728 (DE-00131989). A portion of this work was performed at the Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory Central Facilities, University of Illinois and this is gratefully acknowledged. This research used resources at the Spallation Neutron Source, a DOE Office of Science User Facility operated by Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Certain commercial equipment, instruments, or materials are identified in this paper in order to specify the experimental procedure adequately. This identification is not intended to imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The data sets reported in the present paper are available from the authors upon reasonable request. Appendix A

Keywords

  • Anharmonic lattice dynamics
  • Hydrides
  • Inelastic neutron scattering
  • Nuclear reactors
  • Transition-metal alloys

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