Lattice dynamics of molecular solids by a phenomenological model

A quasiharmonic central-force rigid-atom model has been used to study the dispersion of phonon waves in molecular (rare-gas) solids. The model derives the interatomic forces by Buckingham-Corner potential and takes account of all neighbor interactions. Zero-point anharmonic effects have been taken into account through the potential parameters by a method of iteration. It is found that out of all the conventional power and exponential potentials the Buckingham-Corner potential function is best suited to this class of molecular solids. Further, the possibilities of the improvement of the present model have been discussed.