Calculations of anharmonic phonon relaxation times

Anharmonic phonon relaxation times in Ge are calculated using (i) an isotropic continuum model, and (ii) a dispersive model. A complete spectrum of calculated results is presented. Frequency-averaged values for normal- and umklapp-three-phonon relaxation times are also calculated. A comparison is made between our findings and some earlier works, and disagreements are discussed. The results are applied in calculating some results in the theory of lattice thermal conductivity. From February 1976: Department of Theoretical Physics, The University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE1 7RU U.K.