Band diagram, conductivity tensor

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on extracting information about conductivity directions from band diagrams, specifically in relation to the conductivity tensor. The user seeks to understand how to relate the slopes of energy versus wave vector (E vs k) diagrams to electron velocity and subsequently to conductivity. Key equations mentioned include the current density equation, $\mathbf{j}=\mathbf{\sigma}\cdot\mathbf{E}$, and the relationship between resistivity and current density, $\mathbf{E}=\mathbf{\sigma}^{-1}\cdot\mathbf{j}=\rho\cdot\mathbf{j}$. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the velocity of electrons in reciprocal space to determine conductivity in real space.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of band diagrams and Fermi surfaces
  • Knowledge of conductivity tensor and its relationship to electron velocity
  • Familiarity with E vs k diagrams and their interpretation
  • Basic grasp of solid-state physics concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the calculation of the conductivity tensor from band structure data
  • Learn about the transformation of reciprocal space properties to real space
  • Study the role of electron velocity in determining material conductivity
  • Explore advanced topics in solid-state physics, such as Boltzmann transport theory
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Physicists, materials scientists, and electrical engineers interested in semiconductor physics, band structure analysis, and conductivity optimization in materials.

Juanchotutata
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Hello!

Does anyone have an idea of how can I obtain information from a band diagram about the directions along which the system conducts best and worst ?

Thank you in advanced! :)
 
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Do you mean Fermi surfaces?
 
I mean, I have a E vs k space diagram like this one, for example,

graphene_bs_9x9_dft.png


(but imagine that I only have one line). I know that the velocity of the electron can be described as dE/dk. So that I can relate the different slopes of each part of my line with the velocity. At the same time, I know that the conductivity tensor depends on this velocity. Therefore, the higher the velocity the higher the conductivity. But now, how can I know the directions along which the system conducts best and worst (in the reciprocal space) and transform them to the real space?

(I hope I've explained myself well)
 

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Do you mean the resistivity along any direction? Something relevant would be :$$\mathbf{j}=\mathbf{\sigma}\cdot\mathbf{E}$$$$\mathbf{E}=\mathbf{\sigma}^{-1}\cdot\mathbf{j}=\rho\cdot\mathbf{j}$$$$\mathbf{j}_{\text{n}}=(-e)\int_{\text{occupied}}f(\epsilon_{\text{n}}(\mathbf{k}))\frac{d\mathbf{k}}{4\pi^3}\mathbf{v}_{\text{n}}(\mathbf{k})\to-ne\mathbf{v}_{\text{drift}}$$Are these thing what you're looking for?
 

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