Lattice dynamics and specific heat ofα-GeTe: Theoretical and experimental study

Abstract

We extend recent ab initio calculations of the electronic band structure and the phonon-dispersion relations of rhombohedral GeTe to calculations of the density of phonon states and the temperature-dependent specific heat. The results are compared to measurements of the specific heat. It is discovered that the specific heat depends on hole concentration, not only in the very low temperature region (Sommerfeld term) but also at the maximum of C-p/T-3 (around 16 K). To explain this phenomenon, we have performed ab initio lattice-dynamical calculations for GeTe rendered metallic through the presence of a heavy-hole concentration (p similar to 2x10(21) cm(-3)). They account for the increase observed in the maximum of C-p/T-3.