Lattice dynamics and inelastic nuclear resonant x-ray scattering

Measurements of thermal and elastic properties of materials, such as the phonon density of states, specific heat, and speed of sound, by a new x-ray scattering technique are presented. Inelastic nuclear resonant scattering of x-rays produced from new electron storage rings, coupled with advances in high-energy-resolution crystal optics, and fast detectors have enabled the development of a new method of analysing the energy loss in a scattering process with a resolution of 107 or better in the x-ray region of 6-30 keV. Some unique aspects such as element (isotope) selectivity, the amount of material needed for analysis (nanograms), and the physical size to which x-rays can be focused (5 µm or better) favour this approach over the more established techniques of neutron scattering and Mossbauer and Raman spectroscopy. Applications to several unique cases - for example, those of multilayers and high pressure - are discussed.