Interpretation of 1D Band Gap in Metallic Systems

mzottola

In a metallic system, the Fermi level is crossed either from the conducting zone into the non-conducting zone or vice versa.

Is there an interpretation one can give to the direction of the crossing? In other words, if the 1D band gap diagram shows the fermi line is crossed from the non-conducting zone into the conducting zone, would that material be expected to have different properties than one where the the direction of crossing is from the conducting to the non-conducting zone?

ZapperZ

This is a bit puzzling.

I'm not sure what you mean by "1D band gap" here.

Secondly, the Fermi level in a metallic system cross a BAND. That Fermi level then separates the filled band from the empty band, not "conducting zone" from "non-conducting zone" (whatever those are).

In a "1D band diagram", if I'm interpreting you correctly, all the momentum has been "integrated" out, so you only have an energy scale diagram. A metal, by definition, has no "band gap" here, at least, not anywhere near the Fermi level.

Zz.

mzottola

I regret the imprecision of my language. In examining the 1D band structure...

Well there are states below the Fermi line and states above the fermi line. If they cross the fermi line, the it is said the material can be considered metallic. Does the direction of the crossing have (from either above to below or below to above) any significance?

ZapperZ

What "direction" are you talking about? Are you looking at a particular figure that shows the band structure along various crystallographic directions?

You really need to present a clearer and more precise description of what you are asking.

Zz.

jikim

If there exists a band gap, then it's semiconductor or insulator.
If not, it's a metal or semi-metal.