Lattice dynamics of AIH3 and AID3 examined by inelastic neutron scattering

Inelastic neutron scattering (INS) spectra of trigonal α-AlH3 and α-AlD3 have been measured in a wide range (5-150 meV) of energy transfers with a much better statistical accuracy than previously using the inverted-geometry NERA-PR spectrometer at JINR, Dubna. The studied energy interval covers the range of low-frequency lattice vibrations and a broad band of optical H vibrations. By using a direct-geometry HRMECS spectrometer at ANL, Argonne, the AlH3 hydride was also examined by INS at energy transfers up to 315 meV in the regime of small momentum transfers. This significantly enhanced the contribution from the one-phonon neutron scattering and allowed an observation and accurate examination of one more, high-energy band of optical H vibrations predicted theoretically [C. Wolverton et al., Phys. Rev. B 69, 144109 (2004)]. Combining the obtained experimental data, the entire spectrum of phonon density of states was reconstructed for both α-AlH3 and α-AlD3