LATTICE HEAT CAPACITY OF CRYSTALS: A q-OSCILLATOR DEBYE MODEL

The Debye model for lattice heat capacity is modified retaining all the basic assumptions except that each mode is here treated as a q-deformed quantum harmonic oscillator. The lattice heat capacity Cv is evaluated in the high and low temperature limits. When T≪θD, Cv∝T3 and when T ≫θD, Cv∝T2. In the case of the alkali elements Rb, Cs and K whose Debye temperatures are relatively low, the calculated values compare remarkably well with experimental results over a wide range of temperatures.