Brazilian Journal of Physics (2025) 55:1

https://doi.org/10.1007/s13538-024-01638-0

An Exploration of Anisotropic Acoustic Wave Attenuation in Quartz

Crystals
Temur Mustafayev1 · Farkhad Akhmedjanov2 · Jurabek Abdiev3,4,5 · Shakhboz Khasanov1,6,7

Received: 5 July 2023 / Accepted: 18 October 2024

© The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Sociedade Brasileira de Física 2024

Abstract
This study examines anisotropic acoustic wave attenuation in quartz crystals, utilizing Bragg light diffraction to investigate
the phenomenon across a frequency range of 0.2 to 2.8 GHz. The research focuses on analyzing both real and imaginary
elastic constants to develop models for acoustic attenuation. It reveals directional dependence in the attenuation parameters
of sonic waves in quartz and highlights the role of the effective Gruneisen constant in wave vector orientation. The findings
offer insights into quartz’s acoustic behavior with applications in fields like telecommunications, aerospace engineering,
and geophysics. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of quartz crystals and encourages interdisciplinary
exploration in this area.

Keywords Harmonic anisotropy · Acoustic wave dynamics · Quartz crystal resonance · Wave transmission · Piezoelectric
phenomena · Bragg scattering

1 Introduction certain limitations, such as a low electromechanical coupling

coefficient and a decline in piezoelectric properties at tem‑
Piezoelectric materials, especially quartz crystals, are vital peratures exceeding 573 °C [5, 6].
in various modern technologies, including telecommunica‑ Seeking materials with enhanced properties, researchers
tions and medical diagnostics. Renowned for their ability have turned to lithium tantalate and niobate, which offer
to transform mechanical stress into electrical signals and improved piezoelectric characteristics and higher phase tran‑
vice versa, these materials are key components in numer‑ sition temperatures of 620 °C and 1145 °C, respectively [7].
ous applications [1]. Quartz crystals, favored for their heat Despite these advantages, these alternatives are not without
resistance and hardness, are extensively used in piezoelectric their own limitations, including pyroelectric effects that may
sensors and oscillators, operating within a broad frequency hinder their application in specific scenarios [8].
range from 100 Hz to 100 MHz [2–4]. However, they exhibit Monocrystalline quartz has emerged as a promising sub‑
stitute, maintaining its piezoelectric properties under high
temperatures without the drawbacks of pyroelectric effects,
Temur Mustafayev, Farkhad Akhmedjanov, and Shakhboz Khasanov
contributed equally to this work.

4
* Jurabek Abdiev Center of Material Science and Opto‑Electronic Technology,
[email protected] University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049,
China
1
Samarkand State University named after Sharof Rashidov, 5
Semiconductor Crystal Growth Laboratory,
140104 Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Physical‑Technical Institute, Scientific Association
2
Institute of Ion‑Plasma and Laser Technologies, Academy “Physics‑Sun”, Uzbek Academy of Sciences, Chingiz
of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 100125 Tashkent, Aytmatov Street 2B, 100084 Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan 6
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS),
3
Laboratory of Environmental Science and Technology, The Beijing 100049, China
Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Key 7
Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Laboratory of Functional Materials and Devices for Special
(CAS), 509 Nanchang Road, Lanzhou City 730000, Gansu,
Environments, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing South
China
Road 40‑1, Urumqi 830011, Xinjiang, PR China

Vol.:(0123456789)
 1 Page 2 of 6 Brazilian Journal of Physics (2025) 55:1

and remaining stable until its melting point at 1470 °C [9]. 2.2 Experimental Apparatus
Its electromechanical coupling coefficient, which is 3–4
times higher than that of conventional quartz, makes it a The experimental setup involved using a Bragg diffraction
strong candidate for sensor applications [10, 11]. method to analyze the acoustic waves in quartz [12]. A
Our research addresses a key challenge in piezoelectric helium–neon laser (wavelength 632.8 nm) was used as the
materials: acoustic attenuation in SiO₂ (quartz) crystals. light source for diffraction. The intensity of the diffracted
These crystals, while exhibiting high piezoelectric coeffi‑ light was recorded by a photoelectric multiplier, provid‑
cients and thermal resilience, are limited by acoustic wave ing data on the acoustic wave properties within the quartz
attenuation, notably at lower frequencies. The issue is accen‑ samples.
tuated when the thermal phonon relaxation time within the
crystal is shorter than the period of the acoustic wave. The
focus of our study is on the less explored imaginary compo‑
nents of the elastic tensor. 3 Measurement Procedures
Research to date has primarily centered on the real com‑
ponents, but a comprehensive understanding of acoustic 3.1 Velocity Measurement
wave damping necessitates examining the imaginary com‑
ponents. Methods such as acoustic extinction surfaces and The velocity (V) of the acoustic waves was measured with
characteristic surfaces of acoustic wave speed, previously a precision of 0.2% using the Bragg diffraction angle [13]:
utilized in materials like magnesium oxide and lithium nio‑
𝜆𝜈
bate, are applied to quartz to analyze these components. This V= , (1)
approach enables a detailed assessment of the anisotropic 2sin𝜃B
nature of wave attenuation in quartz crystals. where 𝜈 is the linear frequency of the acoustic wave and 𝜃B
We employ a combination of computational modeling, is the Bragg angle.
experimental methods, and advanced characterization tech‑
niques to investigate the interplay between crystal struc‑
ture, anisotropic behavior, and wave propagation in quartz. 3.2 Extinction Coefficient Measurement
Insights derived from this research could significantly influ‑
ence the development of advanced piezoelectric devices in The attenuation of the acoustic waves was quantified by cal‑
various industries, contributing to an enhanced understand‑ culating the extinction coefficient (α) with an accuracy of
ing of piezoelectric materials and their applications in mod‑ approximately 5% the formula [14]:
ern technologies.
(2)
( )
𝛼 = 10lg I1 ∕I2 ∕2L0

Here, L0 is the sample length, and I1 and I2 signify the

2 Samples and Experimental Method light intensities linked with the acoustic wave diffraction and
the wave scattering from the sample, correspondingly, both
This study is designed to compare the acoustic wave attenu‑ oriented in an identical propagation direction. By employing
ation in crystalline and fused quartz, focusing on the differ‑ this equation, we were able to measure the wavelength and
ence in their internal structures. We conducted our experi‑ time shift of the signals with exceptional precision.
ments at room temperature, utilizing a frequency range of
0.2–2.8 GHz to assess the behavior of acoustic waves within
these materials.
4 Results and Discussion
2.1 Sample Preparation
The experimental results, as summarized in Table 1, provide
The crystalline quartz sample was prepared for the experi‑ detailed measurements of the velocity and attenuation coef‑
ment. The crystalline quartz was cut into cubes with 12-mm ficients for both longitudinal and transverse acoustic waves
edges, aligned along the crystallographic axes [001], [100], in SiO₂ crystals. These measurements were conducted along
and [010] or [001], [110], and [1–10]. Lithium niobate the crystallographic directions [100], [010], and [001]. The
plates, varying between 40 and 70 μm in thickness (X or Y symbols q and γ represent the wave vector and the polariza‑
section rotated), were utilized to stimulate either longitudi‑ tion vector directions, respectively. This data allows us to
nal or transverse acoustic waves. derive effective values and abstract elastic constants, specific
to the directions of acoustic wave propagation examined.
Brazilian Journal of Physics (2025) 55:1 Page 3 of 6 1

Table 1  Measurements of velocity and attenuation coefficient for with seven real elastic coefficients, enable the identifica‑
acoustic waves in SiO2 crystal (𝜈 = 1GHz, T = 293K) tion of seven independent elements of the imaginary part
Q 𝛾 V, 103 ms 𝛼, dB of the elastic coefficient tensor.
These elements arec 11, c 12 c 13, c 14, c 33, c 44 and c 66.
𝜇s ′′ ′′ ′′ ′′ ′′ ′′ ′′

[100] [1 0 0] 5.75 0.7 Our study in the 𝜔 ⋅ 𝜏 ≪ 1 domain follows the given
[0 0.83 − 0.56] 5.11 0.28 condition, where 𝜔 is the acoustic wave’s angular fre‑
[0 0.56 0.83] 3.36 0.65 quency, and τ is the relaxation time of thermal phonons.
[010] [0 0.996 − 0.092] 6.01 0.53 In this context, acoustic wave attenuation can be described
[0 0.092 0.996] 4.32 0.36 by the real and imaginary parts of the complex elastic con‑
[1 0 0] 3.92 0.42 stants, as referenced in [17], and expressed as
[001] [0 0 1] 6.32 0.45
��
[1 0 0] 4.68 0.31 1 c eff
𝛼= 𝜔 , (10)
2 c� eff

The equations used in our analysis are as follows: Equations (3) and (4) can be reformulated using the real
and imaginary parts of the Green-Christoffel tensor. This
c� eff = c� ijkl 𝜅j 𝜅l 𝛾i 𝛾k , (3) involves the convolution of the real and imaginary parts of
the material constants in the elastic tensor. The direction
�� �� cosines of the wave vector are found to be significant in
c =c ijkl 𝜅j 𝜅l 𝛾i 𝛾k , (4)
eff
this context [18].
In this scenario, 𝜅j and 𝛾i are used as unit vectors, with Specifically, the values of the imaginary elastic con‑
k representing the wave vector and 𝛾 the polarization vec‑ stants can be calculated using the following expression:
tor. The components of c′ ijkl and c ijkl include both real and
′′

2𝛼𝜌V 2
(11)
�� ��
imaginary parts of the elastic constant’s complex tensor, c eff =Γ ik 𝛾i 𝛾k = ,
𝜔
represented as
�� Here, 𝜌 denotes the density of the crystal. Equation (11)
cijkl = c� ijkl + ic ijkl (5) is applicable for determining the acoustic wave attenuation
coefficient for any wave vector direction in a crystal.
The measurable values of these elastic constants cor‑
The directions, as expressed in c′ eff (3) and c eff (4), are
′′

respond to parts of the elastic tensor, simplifying their

integrated into the formulae for effective elastic constants.
quantification. For instance, in longitudinal waves along
The crystal’s symmetry and the direction cosines of the
the [100] direction, the relationships are:
wave’s normal and polarization vectors significantly influ‑
c� eff = c� 11 , (6) ence the structure of these expressions.
The experimental data were used to calculate all inde‑
�� ��
pendent real and imaginary components of the complex
c eff =c 11 , (7) tensor of elastic constants. These calculations allow for the
determination of acoustic wave properties in any arbitrary
Similarly, for longitudinal waves along the [001]
direction within the crystal. It is important to note that the
direction:
real elastic constants we determined are consistent with
c� eff = c� 33 , (8) those reported in reference [19].
The real elastic constants we used are as follows:
�� ��
c eff =c 33 , (9) c� 11 = 8.64 ⋅ 1010 mN2 , c� 33 = 10.58 ⋅ 1010 mN2 ,
c� 44 = 5.81 ⋅ 1010 mN2 , c� 66 = 3.97 ⋅ 1010 mN2 ,
The number of independent elements and the symme‑ c� 13 = 1.195 ⋅ 1010 mN2 , c� 12 = 0.7 ⋅ 1010 mN2 , c� 14 = 1.8 ⋅ 1010 mN2 .
try properties of the imaginary part of the elastic tensor
are similar to those of the real part. These properties are The accuracy of determining the elastic tensor’s real
used to analyze the orientation dependence of phase and constants was approximately 1%.
group velocities of acoustic waves in crystals, as detailed The imaginary components of the elastic tensor were
in references [15, 16]. also calculated:
For quartz crystals (symmetry group 32), experimental
data on acoustic wave velocity and attenuation, combined
 1 Page 4 of 6 Brazilian Journal of Physics (2025) 55:1

�� �� �� �� �� ��
c = 4.59 ⋅ 106 mN2 , c 6 N
33 = 3.21 ⋅ 10 m2 , Γ =c 2
𝜙+c 2
𝜙 + 2c (12)
��
11
��
11 66 cos 44 sin 14 sin𝜙cos𝜙,
6 N 6 N
c 44 = 1.28 ⋅ 10 m2 , c 66 = 1.54 ⋅ 10 m2 ,
�� �� ��
c = 1.51 ⋅ 106 mN2 , c 13 = 1.22 ⋅ 106 mN2 , c 14 = 0.11 ⋅ 106 mN2 . �� �� �� ��
12
Γ 22 =c 11 cos
2
𝜙+c 44 sin
2
𝜙 − 2c 14 sin𝜙cos𝜙, (13)
However, there was a significant error in calculating the
decay coefficients of sound waves, leading to an approxi‑ Γ
��
33
��
=c 44 cos
2
𝜙+c
��
33 sin
2
𝜙, (14)
mate error of about 10% in determining the imaginary
components of the elasticity tensor. �� �� ( �� �� ��
= c 13 + c 44 sin𝜙cos𝜙 − c 14 cos2 𝜙 (15)
)
We examined the propagation of acoustic waves along Γ 23 =Γ 32

the orthogonal axis in the crystallographic (100) plane,

considering the anisotropies in velocity and decay for three Γ
��
12 =Γ
��
21 =Γ
��
13 =Γ
��
31 =0 (16)
different types of waves. The directional cosines used in
this case were k1 = 0 , k2 = cos𝜑 , k3 = sin𝜑. The imaginary part of the effective elastic constant for
Figure 1 effectively illustrates the anisotropy of the sound waves with polarization within their propagation
velocity of longitudinal and transverse sound waves in the plane (100) is determined as:
(100) plane. Notably, the maximum speed variation, which ) 1√ ε
�� 1(
is about 1.4 times, is observed in purely transverse waves c eff = Γε22 + Γε33 ± (Γ22 − Γε33 )2 + 4Γε23 (17)
2 2
within this plane. The speed variation for other wave types
does not exceed 20% for near-longitudinal waves and 16% To determine the real part of the effective elastic constant
for near-transverse waves. c′ eff , we replace the imaginary components in the equation
In the studied (100) plane, two sonic axes are identified: with their real counterparts (Eq. 12). The imaginary part of
one aligns with the third-order symmetry axis [001], and the effective elastic constant for a strictly transverse sound
the other is at a 24-degree angle to the Y-axis, directed wave, with polarization perpendicular to the (100) plane
downwards. Transverse waves traveling along this sonic c eff = Γε11, changes with the direction in this plane as per
��

axis are purely transverse, as one of the polarization vec‑ Eq. (12).
tors is perpendicular to the (100) plane, while the polariza‑ Figure 2 shows the anisotropy of the decay coefficients
tion vector of the second transverse wave aligns with the for longitudinal and transverse sound waves, as depicted
wave vector in the same plane, deviating by 90 degrees. by the intersection of the decay surface with the (100)
The imaginary parts of the Green-Christoffel tensor are
given as:

Fig. 1  The velocity of sound waves in SiO2 crystal structures on the Fig. 2  The decay of sound waves in SiO2 crystals on (100) plane sur‑
(100) plane, quasi-longitudinal (1), quasi-transverse (2), and purely faces, quasi-longitudinal (1), quasi-transverse (2), and purely trans‑
transverse waves (3) verse (3)
Brazilian Journal of Physics (2025) 55:1 Page 5 of 6 1

5 Conclusions

Our research provides new insights into the behavior of

anisotropic acoustic wave attenuation in quartz crystals.
We have identified that the attenuation rates for quasi-
transverse and purely transverse waves intersect along two
specific axes. The first notable intersection occurs in the
(100) plane, at an angle of approximately 30 degrees to the
[010] axis. This intersection correlates with the acoustic
axis direction and was identified through a comprehensive
analysis of transverse wave velocities in quartz crystals.
The second intersection is observed between the decay
coefficients of quasi-longitudinal and quasi-transverse
waves within the (100) plane, approximately 60 degrees
from the acoustic axis direction. This work enhances our
understanding of sound wave dispersion in quartz and pro‑
vides a basis for further exploration of transverse acoustic
waves in other symmetry planes.
Fig. 3  Real elastic constant (1), abstract elastic constant (2), and
These findings have practical implications for the devel‑
attenuation coefficient (3) for longitudinal acoustic waves (100) plane opment of advanced acoustic and acoustoelectric devices,
such as sensors and piezoelectric oscillators based on
quartz crystals. Understanding the anisotropy of sound
plane. In quartz crystals, a significant anisotropy of the wave attenuation in quartz crystals can lead to the design
decay coefficient is observed, especially for purely trans‑ of more efficient and high-performance devices utilizing
verse sound waves in the studied plane. The maximum these unique acoustic characteristics.
extinction coefficient for these waves in the (100) plane
varies by almost six times compared to the minimum coef‑
ficient. For quasi-longitudinal and quasi-transverse sound Data Availability The authors confirm that the data supporting the find‑
ings of this study are available within the article.
waves, the ratio between the maximum and minimum
decay values is about two. Declarations
Figure 3 presents the directionally dependent quantities
in relative units: the real elastic constant, the imaginary Conflict of Interest The authors declare no competing interests.
elastic constant, and the attenuation coefficient for longi‑
tudinal acoustic waves in the (100) plane. It is observed
that the anisotropy of the acoustic decay coefficient closely
follows the direction-dependent imaginary effective elas‑ References
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