Drop a pebble in a pond and the results are quite predictable: circular waves flow from the point of impact. Hit a point on a crystalline solid, however, and the expanding waves are highly non-spherical: the elasticity of a crystal is anisotropic. This book provides a fresh look at the vibrational properties of crystalline solids, elucidated by new imaging techniques. From the megahertz vibrations of ultrasound to the near-terahertz vibrations associated with heat, the underlying elastic anisotropy of the crystal asserts itself. Phonons are elementary vibrations that affect many properties of solids - thermal, electrical and magnetic. This text covers the basic theory and experimental observations of phonon propagation in solids. Phonon imaging techniques provide physical insights into such topics as phonon focusing, lattice dynamics and ultrasound propagation. Scattering of phonons from interfaces, superlattices, defects and electrons are treated in detail. The book includes many striking and original illustrations.

‘Imaging Phonons will be of relevance to applications as diverse as non-destructive testing of composites and single-crystal alloys, acoustic microscopy of semiconductors and opto-electronic materials, and surface Brillouin spectroscopy of crystalline layers and coatings. The author has produced a masterpiece.’

Andrew Briggs Source: The Times Higher Education Supplement

‘Jim Wolfe’s book provides a comprehensive and highly readable review … The images are spectacular and display all the features of geometrical optics … Wolfe is an excellent teacher as well as a researcher and anyone whose work connects with phonons will gain from giving the book more careful attention … should be in the library of any University that has a solid state physics group and anyone working with phonons will want to own a copy.’

Professor L. J. Challis Source: Contemporary Physics