The Group Velocity in a One-Dimensional Material

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the electron group velocity in a one-dimensional material subjected to a time-varying electric field. The participants are exploring the relationship between the electric field and the group velocity as a function of time, considering the material's band structure.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss how to incorporate the time-varying electric field into the equation for group velocity. There is an exploration of the relationship between the wave vector k and the electric field, with attempts to express changes in energy and momentum in terms of the electric field.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights on how to relate the wave vector's time dependence to the electric field. However, there is uncertainty regarding the mathematical formulation and whether the expressions derived are correct. The discussion remains open with various interpretations being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework problem, which may limit the information available for a complete analysis. The specific form of the electric field is defined piecewise over time, which adds complexity to the problem.

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Homework Statement


A one-dimensional material has an applied time varying e-field as shown below:

[tex] \epsilon(t)=\left\{\begin{array}{cc}A_1,&0\le t \le 2<br /> \\0,& 2\le t \le 4<br /> \\-A_1,& 4\le t \le 6<br /> \end{array}\right[/tex]

The band structure of the material is [itex]E=\hbar\nu\|k\|[/itex], where [itex]\nu[/itex] is a constant with units of velocity. What is the electron gorup velocity as a function of time from 0 to 6?

Homework Equations


[tex] v=\frac{d\omega}{dk}=\frac{dE}{dp}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[tex] v_g=\frac{1}{\hbar}\frac{dE}{dk}[/tex]

I'm not sure on how to include the e-field into this equation. Any suggestions?
 
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soekdi said:

Homework Statement


A one-dimensional material has an applied time varying e-field as shown below:

[tex] \epsilon(t)=\left\{\begin{array}{cc}A_1,&0\le t \le 2<br /> \\0,& 2\le t \le 4<br /> \\-A_1,& 4\le t \le 6<br /> \end{array}\right[/tex]

The band structure of the material is [itex]E=\hbar\nu\|k\|[/itex], where [itex]\nu[/itex] is a constant with units of velocity. What is the electron gorup velocity as a function of time from 0 to 6?

Homework Equations


[tex] v=\frac{d\omega}{dk}=\frac{dE}{dp}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[tex] v_g=\frac{1}{\hbar}\frac{dE}{dk}[/tex]

I'm not sure on how to include the e-field into this equation. Any suggestions?

Probably you just want to account for the fact that k depends on time via
[tex] \frac{d\bold{k}}{dt}=-e\bold{E}(t)\;,[/tex]
where
[tex] \bold{E}(t)[/tex]
is the electric field and [itex]-e[/itex] is the charge of the electron.
 
olgranpappy said:
Probably you just want to account for the fact that k depends on time via
[tex] \frac{d\bold{k}}{dt}=-e\bold{E}(t)\;,[/tex]
where
[tex] \bold{E}(t)[/tex]
is the electric field and [itex]-e[/itex] is the charge of the electron.

Now I'm having trouble with the math part:
[tex] dE=\hbar \nu dk[/tex]

[tex] dk=-e\epsilon(t)dt[/tex]

[tex] v_g=\frac{1}{\hbar}\frac{dE}{dk}=\frac{\nu dk}{-e\epsilon(t)dt}[/tex]

where [itex]\epsilon[/itex] is the e-field. This doesn't really look right?
 
soekdi said:
Now I'm having trouble with the math part:
[tex] dE=\hbar \nu dk[/tex]

[tex] dk=-e\epsilon(t)dt[/tex]

[tex] v_g=\frac{1}{\hbar}\frac{dE}{dk}=\frac{\nu dk}{-e\epsilon(t)dt}[/tex]

where [itex]\epsilon[/itex] is the e-field. This doesn't really look right?

mmm... if you just forget about the electric field for a second and just look at
[tex] E=\hbar v |k|\;,[/tex]
what is the group velocity?
 

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