Conductivity and Integration over Fermi-Sphere?

In summary, The conversation discusses the integration process in "An Introduction of Solid State Physics" by Ibach Lüth. The formula for conductivity is given, and the question is raised about why k does not become k_F after integration of the delta-function. It is explained that k is still a vector and will have different lengths for different directions unless the Fermi surface is spherical. The notation dS_E is also discussed, and it is clarified that it represents a surface-element times a radial distance-element perpendicular to the surface-element in k-space. The conversation ends with a discussion about the units of dS_E and how they correspond to k-space.
  • #1
Abigale
56
0
Hi,
I am reading "An Introduction of Solid State Physics" from Ibach Lüth and don't understand the integration process.
They write $$\sigma=\frac{e^2}{8\pi^3 \hbar}
\int df_{E}dE \frac{v^2_x(\bf{k})}{v(\bf{k})} \tau(\bf{k}) \delta(E-E_F)
$$

$$
= \int_{E=E_F}^{}df_{E} \frac{v^2_x(\bf{k})}{v(\bf{k})} \tau(\bf{k})
$$

But why does ## k ## NOT become ##k_F## after the Integration of the Delta-function?

I would think that the integral becomes immedately after the dE-integration:
$$
= \int_{E=E_F}^{}df_{E} \frac{v^2_x(\bf{k_F})}{v(\bf{k_F})} \tau(\bf{k_F})
$$

THX
Abbi

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  • #2
Yes, you are right, but this is only a matter of notation. k is still a vector and will have different length for different directions as long as the Fermi surface is not spherical.
 
  • #3
I don't understand the notation ##dS_E##.
$$d\bf{k} = k^2 sin\theta d\theta d\phi dk$$
$$ = dS_k dk_\bot $$ This means a surface-element times a radial distance-element perpendicular to the surface-element. Both in k-space.

In the book instead of ##dS_k## the expression ##dS_E## is used. They say ##dS_k= dS_E dk_\bot ##

What means exactly ##dS_E##?
If I think at the notation $$ dS_k= k^2 sin\theta d\theta d\phi$$,
it should be $$dS_E=E({\bf k})^2 sin\theta d\theta d\phi$$

But then the units don't correspond anymore to k-space:
$$d{\bf k} =dS_E dk_\bot$$ which corresponds to $$ \frac{1}{m^3}=\frac{eV}{1}\frac{1}{m}$$
 
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1. What is conductivity and why is it important?

Conductivity refers to the measure of a material's ability to conduct electrical current. It is an important property because it determines how easily electricity can flow through a material, and is crucial in the design and functioning of electronic devices.

2. How is conductivity measured?

Conductivity is measured by applying an electric field to a material and measuring the resulting current. The conductivity value is then calculated by dividing the current by the applied electric field. It is usually expressed in units of siemens per meter (S/m) or mho per meter (mho/m).

3. What is a Fermi sphere?

A Fermi sphere is a theoretical model used to describe the distribution of electrons in a material. It represents the energy levels at which electrons can exist in a solid, and is used to understand the behavior of electrons in materials such as metals and semiconductors.

4. How does integration over the Fermi sphere relate to conductivity?

Integration over the Fermi sphere is a mathematical technique used to calculate the conductivity of a material. It takes into account the distribution of electrons in the Fermi sphere and their contribution to the material's conductivity. It is an important tool in understanding the electronic properties of materials.

5. What factors affect conductivity and integration over the Fermi sphere?

There are several factors that can affect conductivity and integration over the Fermi sphere, including temperature, impurities, and crystal structure. These factors can alter the distribution of electrons in the Fermi sphere and thus impact the material's conductivity. Additionally, the type of material and its electronic band structure also play a role in determining its conductivity and integration over the Fermi sphere.

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