Raman study of lattice dynamics in quasicrystals

We present the first Raman investigation of icosahedral quasicrystals. Broad structured bands in the energy range up to ~500 cm− 1 have been observed in a series of AlCuFe, AlPdMn and AlPdRe systems. Original information on the vibrational density of states g(ω) was obtained for AlPdRe; for AlCuFe and AlPdMn estimated g(ω) shows a good agreement with the previous neutron results, but demonstrates finer structure. Strong increase in the parameter of electron–vibrational coupling for the low-energy vibrations and its correlation with changes in electronic conductivity has been observed in the series from AlCuFe to AlPdRe. This suggests the increase of the degree of localization for these vibrational excitations and involved electronic states.

Research Highlights
► The manuscript represents the first Raman investigation of icosahedral quasicrystals.
► Broad structured bands in the energy range up to 500 cm−1 have been observed in a series of AlCuFe, AlPdMn and AlPdRe systems.
► As a result the Raman scattering provides a useful tool for the investigation of structural, vibrational and electronic properties of quasiperiodical systems.