Vibrational properties of ZnTe at high pressures

Raman spectra of ZnTe were measured under hydrostatic pressures up to 15 GPa at T=300 K. Results for the frequencies of first- and second-order Raman features of the zincblende phase (0-9.5 GPa) are used to set up a rigid-ion model of the phonon dispersion relations under pressure. Calculated phonon densities of states, mode Grueneisen parameters and the thermal expansion coefficient as a function of pressure are discussed. The effect of pressure on the widths and intensities of Raman spectral features is considered. Raman spectra of high-pressure phases of ZnTe are reported. These spectra indicate the possible existence of a new phase near 13 GPa, intermediate between the cinnabar and orthorhombic (Cmcm) phases of ZnTe. (author)