On the low-temperature anomalies in the thermal conductivity of plastically deformed crystals due to phonon-kink scattering

TL;DR

This paper introduces phonon-kink scattering as a theoretical explanation for low-temperature anomalies in the thermal conductivity of plastically deformed crystals, aligning with experimental observations.

Contribution

It proposes a new phonon-kink scattering mechanism to explain thermal conductivity anomalies in deformed crystals, filling a gap in existing theoretical understanding.

Findings

Phonon-kink scattering qualitatively explains experimental anomalies.

The model aligns with thermal conductivity behavior in deformed lead crystals.

Applicable to understanding thermal transport in other deformed quantum solids.

Abstract

Previous experimental studies of the thermal conductivity of plastically deformed lead crystals in the superconducting state have shown strong anomalies in the thermal conductivity. Similar effects were also found for the thermal conductivity of bent ${}^4\text{He}$ samples. Until now, a theoretical explanation for these results was missing. In this paper we will introduce the process of phonon-kink scattering and show that it qualitatively explains the anomalies that experiments had found.