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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

phonon

His team observed room-temperature phonon focusing in boron arsenide, a crystalline semiconductor known for its high thermal conductivity.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 7, 2026

Until now, a wave-based form of heat transport called phonon focusing had only been observed at extremely low cryogenic temperatures, which made it difficult to study and limited its potential applications.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 7, 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

Researchers have proposed quantum compasses as highly accurate, "unjammable" alternatives to GPS that do not rely on satellites, and phonon lasers could help bring such concepts closer to reality.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 31, 2026

With improved precision, phonon lasers could become powerful tools for measuring gravity and other forces with exceptional accuracy.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 31, 2026

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