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Free Electron and Band Theory of Metals

The document discusses the Free Electron Theory of Metals, highlighting concepts such as Fermi Energy and electrical conductivity. It also covers Band Theory of Solids, classifying materials into conductors, insulators, and semiconductors, along with their properties and applications. Additionally, it addresses magnetism in solids, superconductivity phenomena, and critical parameters related to these states.

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11 views4 pages

Free Electron and Band Theory of Metals

The document discusses the Free Electron Theory of Metals, highlighting concepts such as Fermi Energy and electrical conductivity. It also covers Band Theory of Solids, classifying materials into conductors, insulators, and semiconductors, along with their properties and applications. Additionally, it addresses magnetism in solids, superconductivity phenomena, and critical parameters related to these states.

Uploaded by

adder567
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

6.

Free Electron Theory of Metals


Assume:

• Electrons move freely inside solid


• Positive ions form uniform background

Energy levels:

E=ℏ2k22mE = \frac{\hbar^2 k^2}{2m}E=2mℏ2k2

6.1 Fermi Energy

Highest occupied energy at T=0T=0T=0:

EF=ℏ22m(3π2n)2/3E_F = \frac{\hbar^2}{2m}(3\pi^2 n)^{2/3}EF=2mℏ2(3π2n)2/3

Only electrons near EFE_FEF contribute to conduction.

6.2 Electrical Conductivity

σ=ne2τm\sigma = \frac{ne^2\tau}{m}σ=mne2τ

τ\tauτ = mean free time between collisions.

7. Band Theory of Solids


Crucial concept explaining:

• Conductors
• Insulators
• Semiconductors

7.1 Origin of Bands

• Atomic energy levels broaden in a solid.


• Gaps appear due to periodic potential.
7.2 Bloch’s Theorem

Wavefunctions in periodic potential:

ψnk(r)=eik⋅runk(r)\psi_{n\mathbf{k}}(\mathbf{r}) = e^{i\mathbf{k}\cdot\mathbf{r}}
u_{n\mathbf{k}}(\mathbf{r})ψnk(r)=eik⋅runk(r)

7.3 Brillouin Zones

Defined in reciprocal space.

• First Brillouin zone contains unique kkk-states.


• Band gaps open at zone boundaries.

8. Classification of Solids
Conductors

• Partially filled bands


• No band gap

Insulators

• Large band gap (>5 eV> 5\,\text{eV}>5eV)

Semiconductors

• Small band gap (∼1 eV\sim 1\,\text{eV}∼1eV)


• Conductivity increases with temperature

9. Semiconductors
9.1 Intrinsic Semiconductors

Equal number of electrons and holes.

Carrier concentration:
n∝e−Eg/2kBTn \propto e^{-E_g/2k_BT}n∝e−Eg/2kBT

9.2 Extrinsic Semiconductors

Doping introduces carriers.

• n-type: donor atoms → electrons


• p-type: acceptor atoms → holes

9.3 p-n Junction

• Diffusion creates depletion region.


• Built-in electric field forms diode behavior.

Applications:

• Diodes
• Transistors
• Integrated circuits

10. Magnetism in Solids


10.1 Types of Magnetism

Type Origin
Diamagnetism Induced currents
Paramagnetism Unpaired spins
Ferromagnetism Spin alignment
Antiferromagnetism Alternating spins
Ferrimagnetism Unequal opposite spins

10.2 Exchange Interaction

Quantum mechanical origin of ferromagnetism.

Heisenberg model:
H=−J∑⟨i,j⟩Si⋅SjH = -J \sum_{\langle i,j \rangle} \mathbf{S}_i \cdot \mathbf{S}_jH=−J⟨i,j⟩∑Si
⋅Sj

10.3 Curie Temperature

Above TCT_CTC, ferromagnet becomes paramagnetic.

11. Superconductivity
11.1 Phenomena

• Zero electrical resistance


• Meissner effect (magnetic field expulsion)

11.2 Critical Parameters

• Critical temperature TcT_cTc


• Critical magnetic field
• Critical current

11.3 BCS Theory

Electrons form Cooper pairs via phonon interaction.

Energy gap:

Δ≈1.76kBTc\Delta \approx 1.76 k_B T_cΔ≈1.76kBTc

Superconductivity = macroscopic quantum state.

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