Based upon Raman spin-lattice interaction, we propose a theoretical model for the phonon Hall effect in paramagnetic dielectrics, which was discovered recently in an experiment [C. Strohm, G. L. J. A. Rikken, and P. Wyder, Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 155901 (2005).]. The phonon Hall effect is revealed to be a phonon analogue to the anomalous Hall effect in electron systems. The thermal Hall conductivity is calculated by using the Kubo formula. Our theory reproduces the essential experimental features of the phonon Hall effect, including the sign, magnitude, and linear magnetic field dependence of the thermal Hall conductivity.

• Received 13 January 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.96.155901