The $\omega^3$ scaling of the vibrational density of states in quasi-2D nanoconfined solids

TL;DR

This study reveals a transition from the traditional ω^2 to an anomalous ω^3 vibrational density of states scaling in nanoconfined solids, supported by experiments, simulations, and theoretical analysis, with implications for confined systems.

Contribution

The paper introduces the discovery of an ω^3 scaling law in the vibrational density of states of nanoconfined solids, extending understanding beyond classical Debye theory.

Findings

Observation of ω^3 scaling in amorphous ice confined in graphene oxide membranes.

Confirmation of the ω^3 scaling in both crystalline and amorphous solids through simulations.

Theoretical demonstration that confinement induces the ω^3 law via geometric constraints.

Abstract

Atomic vibrations play a vital role in the functions of various physical, chemical, and biological systems. The vibrational properties and the specific heat of crystalline bulk materials are well described by Debye theory, which successfully predicts the quadratic $\omega^{2}$ low-frequency scaling of the vibrational density of states (VDOS) in bulk ordered solids from few fundamental assumptions. However, the analogous framework for nanoconfined materials with fewer degrees of freedom has been far less well explored. Using inelastic neutron scattering, we characterize the VDOS of amorphous ice confined to a thickness of $\approx 1$ nm inside graphene oxide membranes and we observe a crossover from the Debye $\omega^2$ scaling to an anomalous $\omega^3$ behaviour upon reducing the confinement size $L$. Additionally, using molecular dynamics simulations, we confirm the experimental findings and also prove that such a scaling of the VDOS appears in both crystalline and amorphous solids under slab-confinement. We theoretically demonstrate that this low-frequency $\omega^3$ law results from the geometric constraints on the momentum phase space induced by confinement along one spatial direction. Finally, we predict that the Debye scaling reappears at a characteristic frequency $\omega_\times= v L/2\pi$, with $v$ the speed of sound of the material, and we confirm this quantitative estimate with simulations. This new physical phenomenon, revealed by combining theoretical, experimental and simulations results, is relevant to a myriad of systems both in synthetic and biological contexts and it could impact various technological applications for systems under confinement such as nano-devices or thin films.