User:RedAcer/phonondef

A phonon is a collective excitation representing the quantum mechanical quantization of the mode of lattice vibrations in periodic, elastic crystal structures of solids or other condensed matter.

The energy in a lattice vibration or elastic wave in a crystal is quantised. The quantum of energy in an elastic wave is called a phonon, in analogy with the photon, which is a quantum of energy in an electromagnetic wave.

In physics, a phonon is a collective excitation, and the quantum of energy in a normal mode of lattice vibrations in a periodic, elastic crystal lattice or other condensed matter.