phonon

American  

[foh-non] / ˈfoʊ nɒn /

noun

Physics.

1. a quantum of sound or vibratory elastic energy, being the analogue of a photon of electromagnetic energy.

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phonon British  

/ ˈfəʊnɒn /

noun

1. physics a quantum of vibrational energy in the acoustic vibrations of a crystal lattice

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phonon Scientific  

/ fō′nŏn′ /

1. The quantum of acoustic or vibrational energy. Phonons, like all quanta in quantum mechanics, have wavelike and particlelike properties. Phonons propagate through the vibrating material at the speed of sound in that material. Phonons are especially useful in mathematical models for calculating thermal and vibrational properties of solids.

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Etymology

Origin of phonon

First recorded in 1930–35; phon- + -on ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

phonon

The advance could help pave the way for phonon lasers, a technology with potential uses in communications, medical diagnostics, and advanced sensing.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 2, 2026

"By pushing and pulling on a phonon laser with light in the right way, we can reduce that phonon laser fluctuation significantly."

From Science Daily ● Mar. 31, 2026

In this study, Eichenfield and his colleagues introduced a new way to generate these surface waves using what they call a phonon laser.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 17, 2026

"This phonon laser was the last domino standing that we needed to knock down," Eichenfield said.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 17, 2026

When atoms in a lattice jiggle together, the collective excitation is known as a phonon.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 28, 2023