Normal modes of oscillations of one-dimensional monoatomic and diatomic lattices

A polynomial equation is obtained for the solutions of the vibrational frequencies of one-dimensional monoatomic and diatomic lattices with particles connected by identical springs, but with arbitrary springs connecting the end particles to rigid walls. The exact expressions of the different normal modes of oscillations of the linear chain of particles for monoatomic, diatomic and defective lattices are derived in a straightforward way. As special cases of our problem we have considered the effects of different end springs on the vibrational frequencies. One interesting result is that very high frequencies are allowed when the ends of the diatomic lattice are rigidly fixed with the boundary walls.