phonopy

Compute phonon spectra, DOS, and thermodynamic data from DFT forces.

181|20|Updated Apr 29, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Hello-QM/catgo-LRG --skill phonopy-hello-qm
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: phonopy
Source: https://github.com/Hello-QM/catgo-LRG/tree/main/.claude/skills/phonopy
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Hello-QM/catgo-LRG --skill phonopy-hello-qm

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Phonopy enables automated vibrational analysis by performing finite-displacement phonon calculations to obtain phonon spectra, DOS, and thermodynamic properties for materials.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Phonon band structure calculations and phonon DOS for materials
  • Thermodynamic properties derived from phonons (heat capacity, entropy, free energy)
  • Dynamical stability checks and analysis of imaginary modes
  • Compatibility with common DFT codes (VASP, QE, ABINIT) through force calculations on displaced structures

Quick Start

Run Phonopy on a fully relaxed structure to generate phonon properties.

Frequently Asked Questions about phonopy

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I calculate phonon band structure and DOS from a relaxed crystal structure?▼

To calculate phonon band structure and DOS, Phonopy applies a finite-displacement method to a fully relaxed structure, generating displaced supercells for a compatible DFT code to compute the forces required for vibrational analysis.

Can I use Phonopy with DFT codes other than VASP?▼

Yes, Phonopy is compatible with common DFT codes including VASP, QE, and ABINIT, requiring force calculations on the displaced supercells generated by the workflow to derive vibrational properties.

How do I check the dynamical stability of a material using phonon calculations?▼

You can check dynamical stability by computing the phonon spectra to identify imaginary modes, which indicate structural instability in the relaxed material.

What thermodynamic properties can I derive from phonon calculations?▼

Phonon calculations yield thermodynamic data including heat capacity, entropy, and free energy, derived from the vibrational properties of the material.

Do I need a fully relaxed structure before computing vibrational properties?▼

Yes, you must provide a fully relaxed structure generated by a DFT code before computing vibrational properties, as the finite-displacement workflow depends on accurate baseline atomic positions.

Why does my phonon calculation require force calculations on displaced supercells?▼

The finite-displacement method requires force calculations on displaced supercells to numerically construct the dynamical matrix, which is then solved to obtain phonon spectra and thermodynamic data.