Inelastic neutron scattering and lattice dynamical studies of BaFCl

The matlockite-structured compounds (e.g. BaFCl) on dilute doping with rare-earth ions are of technological importance for their X-ray image storage properties. The knowledge of their thermodynamic properties would be useful in designing new and improved materials. We report the measurement of the phonon density of states for BaFCl using the triple-axis spectrometer at Trombay. A rigid ion lattice dynamical model is used for the interpretation of the experimental results. The model is then exploited for the calculation of high-pressure and high-temperature thermodynamic properties of BaFCl.