singlephonon
Single phonon refers to the quantum of vibrational energy associated with a normal mode of a crystal lattice. In the harmonic approximation of a solid, lattice vibrations can be decomposed into normal modes, each described as a quantum harmonic oscillator. A single phonon excitation in a mode with wavevector k has energy E = ħω_k and crystal momentum ħk, and it obeys Bose-Einstein statistics. The occupancy of a mode is described by the phonon number n_k, with n_k = 1 corresponding to a single-phonon Fock state.
Phonons can be created and annihilated by processes such as scattering of light or electrons with the
Techniques for observing and manipulating single phonons include Raman and inelastic neutron scattering, Brillouin scattering for
Key challenges include short lifetimes due to damping, thermal population, and coupling to the environment; achieving