Band gap and lattice spacing

  • #1
Sr1
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Homework Statement
(a) (10 Points) Diamond has a band gap Eg equal to 5.5eV (at standard temperature and pressure). Use this number to derive a rough estimate of the lattice spacing, a, of the diamond lattice. Do you expect the true lattice spacing to be larger or smaller than your estimate?

(b) (5 Points) What is the minimum wavelength at which a diamond in a jewelry store is opaque? How does this wavelength depend on the size of the diamond?
Relevant Equations
/
How can we link the band gap to lattice spacing?
For (a), if we purely do dimension analysis, then I would guess $$a=\frac{\hbar c}{E_g}$$. But what's the reason behind this answer, and will the true lattice spacing be larger or smaller?
For (b), I guess $$\lambda=\frac{\hbar c}{E_g}$$ due to band gap = photon energy. But I have no idea on the second question.
Also, dose it make sense to have $\lambda=a$?
 
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  • #2
ok from dirac comb model, $$\frac{\sqrt{2mE}}{\hbar}a\sim \pi,$$ then $a=0.26nm$. The remaining questions are: Do you expect the true lattice spacing to be larger or smaller than your estimate? How does this wavelength(band gap) depend on the size of the diamond?
 

1. What is band gap and why is it important in materials science?

Band gap refers to the energy difference between the valence band (where electrons are bound to atoms) and the conduction band (where electrons are free to move) in a material. It is an important concept in materials science because it determines the electrical and optical properties of a material, such as its conductivity and ability to absorb or emit light.

2. How is band gap related to the electronic structure of a material?

The band gap is directly related to the electronic structure of a material. In a material with a larger band gap, there is a larger energy difference between the valence and conduction bands, meaning that electrons require more energy to move from the valence to the conduction band. This is determined by the arrangement of atoms and their electron configurations in the material.

3. What factors affect the band gap of a material?

The band gap of a material is affected by several factors, including the type of atoms and their arrangement in the material's crystal lattice, the strength of the bonds between atoms, and the presence of impurities or defects in the material. Temperature and external forces can also influence the band gap.

4. How does lattice spacing impact the band gap of a material?

Lattice spacing, or the distance between atoms in a material's crystal lattice, can affect the band gap by influencing the strength of the bonds between atoms. A smaller lattice spacing means stronger bonds and a larger band gap, while a larger lattice spacing means weaker bonds and a smaller band gap. This is because the closer the atoms are, the more they interact and affect the energy levels of the electrons in the material.

5. How can the band gap and lattice spacing of a material be measured?

The band gap and lattice spacing of a material can be measured using various techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and spectroscopy. These methods can provide information about the crystal structure and electronic properties of a material, allowing scientists to determine its band gap and lattice spacing. Additionally, theoretical calculations and simulations can also be used to estimate these values.

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