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.

---

phonon British  

/ ˈfəʊnɒn /

noun

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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of phonon

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

Example Sentences

He adds that the work also highlights the growing importance of circular phonon fields, first demonstrated by the group in 2017, as a powerful tool for manipulating unconventional material phases.

From Science Daily

"It's impressive how the laser-cut hBN regions launch phonon polaritons even more efficiently than the edge, suggesting an ultra-narrow unzipped hBN region that strongly interacts with infrared light," said Moore.

From Science Daily

By the very nature of the phonon being a quasiparticle in a crystal it can be shown that the same mathematical pattern holds as for their biological counterparts in water.

From Science Daily

Ultimately, the initial phonon number was reduced by 75%, at a temperature of 74 K, -194 Celsius.

From Science Daily

However, from the perspective of quantum mechanics, sound can also be described as a particle: the phonon.

From Science Daily