Comparing the phonons and vibrations in carbon allotropes with neutron spectroscopy: Microdiamond, few-layer graphene, and amorphous fibers

M Md. Rezoanur Rahman (Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials, University of Wollongong 1 , Wollongong, New South Wales 2500,) C Caleb Stamper (Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials) K Kyle A. Portwin (Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials, University of Wollongong 1 , Wollongong, New South Wales 2500,) X Xiaolin Wang (School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine) R Richard A. Mole (Australian Nuclear Science Technology Organisation) P Pablo Galaviz (Australian Nuclear Science Technology Organisation) A Aiswarya Pradeepkumar (School of Electrical and Data Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney 5 , Sydney, New South Wales 2007,) K Kirrily C. Rule D Dehong Yu (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation) D David L. Cortie (Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials, University of Wollongong 1 , Wollongong, New South Wales 2500,)

Abstract

Powder-averaged inelastic neutron spectroscopy was performed in order to compare the phonons of microdiamond, few-layer graphene, and amorphous carbon fibers at room temperature. Both acoustic and optical phonons were observed in the crystalline allotropes. We present average group velocities, phonon densities of states, and heat capacities relevant to intrinsic thermal transport. High-temperature measurements were performed to evaluate whether quasiparticle broadening from phonon–phonon scattering could be detected. The glassy carbon form in the fibers exhibits pronounced spectral broadening and an enhanced low-energy density of states beyond the Debye prediction. Methods for estimating thermal conductivity using inelastic neutron data as input to the phonon-gas model are discussed. We highlight opportunities and challenges for employing higher-resolution methods to directly determine phonon lifetimes.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 128, Issue 12
Published March 23, 2026
ISSN 0003-6951
Publisher American Institute of Physics

Journal Info

Applied Physics Letters

American Institute of Physics

ISSN: 0003-6951 Physical Sciences

Authors (10)

M

Md. Rezoanur Rahman

Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials, University of Wollongong 1 , Wollongong, New South Wales 2500,

C

Caleb Stamper

Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials

K

Kyle A. Portwin

Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials, University of Wollongong 1 , Wollongong, New South Wales 2500,

X

Xiaolin Wang

School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine

R

Richard A. Mole

Australian Nuclear Science Technology Organisation

P

Pablo Galaviz

Australian Nuclear Science Technology Organisation

A

Aiswarya Pradeepkumar

School of Electrical and Data Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney 5 , Sydney, New South Wales 2007,

K

Kirrily C. Rule

D

Dehong Yu

Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation

D

David L. Cortie

Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials, University of Wollongong 1 , Wollongong, New South Wales 2500,