Shell-model lattice dynamics and Mössbauer recoilless fraction of SnO

A lattice-dynamical study of the phonon-dispersion relation in tin monoxide is presented in the framework of the shell model. The Mössbauer recoilless fraction f(T) has been evaluated over a wide range of temperatures. Except for a temperature-independent shift, the calculated values of -ln(f) are in good agreement with recent Mössbauer spectroscopy experiments on a highly textured powder sample. The phonon density of states shows two prominent bands with practically no mixed Sn and O characters, as identified from the ion-projected densities. The calculated ${\mathrm{\mu }}_{\mathrm{-}2}$ moment of the spectrum is in accordance with the value obtained from the measurements. © 1996 The American Physical Society.