Acoustic Attenuation in Aluminum due to Electron-Lattice Interaction

Abstract

The attenuation of sound due to the interaction of electrons with the lattice has been measured in pure polycrystalline aluminum at low temperatures. Measurements from 26 to 130 kc/sec, obtained by recording the decays of the harmonics of a longitudinally resonating bar, were compared with the electrical conductivity of an aluminum wire of identical purity, over a temperature range of 3° to 70°K. The attenuation was proportional to the square of the frequency. A detailed agreement between the shape of the attenuation and conductivity curves was obtained, but the experimental attenuation was 50% greater than could be explained by the present theory.