Boson Peak of Silica Glass and its Physical Implications

Abstract

This article reviews the progress that has been made over a half century in the investigation of the peculiar dynamic properties of silica glass in the teraherz (THz) frequency range. These are the increased inelastic scattering of light and neutrons at THz frequencies, the so-called Boson peak as well as unusual thermal conductivities observed at low temeratures. Experimental techiniques such as the inelastic scattering of light, neutrons and X-rays have greatly improved in recent years, and these have provided considerable information about the atomic vibrations in the THz frequency region. They form the basis for this perspective on the major advances in this decade from a new and tutorial point of view.