PDA

View Full Version : Free Electron Density of States question


Master J
Apr1-11, 03:44 PM
I have seen thee following relation in regards to free electron waves with wavevector k :

< k | k' > = (2.pi)^3 . d( k - k') where d() is a Dirac delta function.

Why the 2.pi factor?? I cant seem to motivate it. Also, from this, it is stated that the density of states is then 1 / (2.pi)^3 ? I dont see how this relates to that factor at all?? how does one deduce that from the above?

Bill_K
Apr1-11, 06:00 PM
This follows from the fact that the integral of exp(ikx) over all x is 2π δ(k).

Master J
Apr2-11, 07:29 AM
Ah I see. That integral looks like a Fourier Transform?