Lattice Dynamics and Crystalline Properties of Wurtzite Zn1–xMgxO Powders under High Pressure

Abstract

This investigation systematically studies the lattice dynamics and crystalline properties in Zn1–xMgxO using high-pressure Raman spectroscopy. The incorporation of Mg and the application of external pressure cause distinct phonon vibrational behaviors in ZnO. Accordingly, the 202.7, 332.7, and 511.5 cm–1 phonons, which have been controversially assigned, can be conclusively identified. Detailed Raman spectra reveal that the metallic phase transition of ZnO is complete by around 13.2 GPa, which pressure is found to decrease as the Mg content increases. Upon pressure release, an unusual hysteresis effect (>10.0 GPa) in Zn1–xMgxO is observed. The degree of crystal ionicity and anisotropy importantly affects the phase transition pressure of Zn1–xMgxO. Under ambient conditions, ZnO becomes more ionic upon the incorporation of Mg and becomes more covalent under higher pressure. These results are caused by the interplay between the pressure dependence of the high-frequency dielectric constant and Born’s transverse dynamical effective charge. The E1–A1 splitting of the longitudinal and transverse optical phonons is analyzed, yielding insight into the pressure-dependent crystal anisotropy of Zn1–xMgxO.