Effects of disorder on the Raman line-shape in ZrO_2

TL;DR

This paper investigates how disorder influences the Raman spectral line-shape in ZrO_2, linking experimental observations to theoretical models of disorder effects on optical phonons.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical framework connecting disorder parameters with Raman line-shape changes, supported by comparison with experimental data.

Findings

Disorder reduction leads to sharper, more symmetric Raman lines.

Parameters like phonon-defect coupling and correlation length are quantitatively defined.

Annealing decreases short-range disorder, affecting Raman spectral features.

Abstract

Experimental data obtained by Lughi and Clarke [J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 88, 2552 (2005)] are compared to the theory describing disorder effects on optical phonons. Sharpening and vanishing of the asymmetry of the Raman lines after annealing are attributed to a decrease in short-range disorder. The parameters of disorder (such as the phonon-defect coupling and the correlation length) are defined in the comparison.