The vibration spectra of crystals

Summary

Considerations based on the crystal structure of diamond enable its nine eigenvibrations to be arranged on a descending scale of frequency. The magnitude of the force-oonstants involved can also be defined within narrow limits. The numerical values of the frequencies evaluated on the basis of the theoretical formulæ show a close agreement with the observed values. The geometry of the modes determines the changes in bond-polarisabilities and electron distributions produced by them, from which their activities in light-scattering and in infra-red absorption can be ascertained both in the first and in the second approximation. A comparison of the results with the experimental facts shows a striking agreement. The observed intensity of the second-order effects in relation to those of the first order indicates that the eigenvibrations are localised in volume elements comparable in size with the lattice cells of the crystal.