Infrared spectroscopy and tunneling of protons in crystals with hydrogen bonds

Abstract

Infrared (IR) spectra of a number of crystals with proton conductivity have been investigated. The width of the band gap is determined, and most lines of the IR absorption spectra are identified. A direct proof of the existence of protons, defects ОН–and Н₃О⁺, molecules of adsorbed and crystallization water in the crystals grown in ordinary and in heavy water is also carried out. The transparency of the rectangular potential barrier for protons is calculated, and the possibility of tunneling and translational diffusion of protons in wide-band-gap crystals is shown.