A Fermi surface is a representation of the allowed electron energy states in a metal at absolute zero temperature. It shows the boundaries between occupied and unoccupied states in momentum space.
The Fermi surface provides crucial information about the behavior of electrons in a metal, such as their electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as their response to external magnetic and electric fields.
The Fermi surface can be determined through various experimental techniques, such as angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, de Haas-van Alphen effect, and Shubnikov-de Haas effect.
Yes, the shape and size of the Fermi surface can change under different conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and magnetic field. This can affect the electronic properties of the metal.
The Fermi surface is a 3D representation of the band structure of a metal. It shows the points in momentum space where the energy levels are at the Fermi energy, which is the highest occupied energy level at absolute zero temperature.