Symmetry Insights into Phonons, Interactions and Thermal Transport

Structural complexity underlies a variety of novel quasiparticle behaviors that can have profound impacts on material functionalities. Here I will discuss the role of symmetries, particularly rotational and translational symmetries, in determining phase interference conditions that govern the phonon dynamics, interactions, and lattice thermal transport of a variety of materials and geometries. Specific examples demonstrating how symmetries underlie these properties via numerical simulations of chiral (e.g., Te and rutiles) and nanostructured materials (e.g., nanowires and superlattices) will be discussed.

L.L. acknowledges support from the U. S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division.