The site symmetry of P doped ZnSe is analysed in detail here, as the recent experiments suggest two possible symmetries $T_d$ and $C_{3V}$. The reduction to $C_{3V}$ is attributed to the presence of natural impurity, Ga. Our calculations based on molecular model and Green’s functions suggest that the symmetry $C_{3V}$ is possible with ZnSe : P when Jahn Teller distortion of about ∼ 0.2 Å (towards one of Zn atom) is assumed. This has been supported by other experiments.

Theoretical studies are carried out to ascertain the dominant mechanism of Si diffusion in GaAs. Lattice dynamical model calculations have shown that the most probable diffusion mechanism is through a single vacancy even though several experiments cannot fix the mechanism as substitutional, substitutional–interstitial pair or neutral defect pair.

Phase transition in L-alaninium oxalate is studied by using TG, DTA and photoacoustic spectroscopy. A sharp transition at 378 K by photoacoustics is observed whereas at the same temperature the endothermic energy change observed by TG and DTA is not very sharp. This is discussed in detail with reference to the other known data for the organic crystals.

Using photo acoustic technique, the thermal properties of CdS thin films grown by spray pyrolysis are measured. Thermal diffusivity and conductivity in these films decrease at least two orders compared with bulk. These results are compared with our study on nano CdS and the other available literature. The comparison is good. The dependence of thermal diffusivity on the thickness of the layer or the size of the particles on the glass substrate are analysed from the present measurement and discussed. The dependence of thermal diffusivity on the thickness of the layer on the glass substrate is discussed.

The optical and thermal properties of the mixed semiconducting alloy, Sn_1–𝑥Ge_𝑥Te, is studied by photo acoustics, for various Ge concentrations and phase transition for a particular concentration is also studied by the same method. The results are compared with the available literature values and discussed.

We report on the effect of nickel substitution in Na_0.9CoO₂ by examining their thermal properties at room temperature. Experimental results indicate that thermoelectric efficiency is enhanced upon nickel substitution in sodium cobaltate.

Nanostructured porous InP samples were prepared by electrochemical anodic dissolution of InP for various current densities and etching periods. The samples were characterized by SEM and photoluminescence (PL) where a blue shift was observed in PL. Thermal properties studied by photoacoustic (PA) spectroscopy revealed one order decrease in thermal conductivity of porous InP compared to the bulk. Further it is shown that the thermal conductivity of porous InP decreases with decrease in size of the particles.

Zinc self diffusion in bulk zinc oxide is studied by lattice dynamical approach here to get more insight into the diffusion in nano ZnO. The results reveal that only cationic self diffusion is dominant over anionic self diffusion and that too by single vacancy mechanism. The results are compared with the available experiments and discussed.