Acoustic vibrations of embedded spherical nanoparticles

Abstract

A solid-matrix-embedded spherical nanoparticle has acoustic vibrational frequencies which are shifted and damped relative to modes of a free sphere. Not only the longitudinal plane wave acoustic impedances, but also the Poisson ratios of nanoparticle and matrix are important in determining the Q-factor of the “breathing” mode, for which frequencies and Q-factors with different material combinations are presented. High matrix sound speed (e.g. silica, titania, alumina, diamond) increases Q.