Chemical Potential μ in Solids

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the chemical potential (μ) in solids, specifically in semiconductors. The equation provided is μ = Eu + Eg/2 + 3/4kβTln(mu/mc), where Eg represents the band gap and Eu denotes the energy at the top of the valence band. The participants clarify that understanding Eu is crucial for calculating the chemical potential accurately in semiconductor materials.

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  • Understanding of semiconductor physics
  • Familiarity with band theory and band gaps
  • Knowledge of thermodynamic principles related to chemical potential
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical equations involving logarithms and energy levels
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TL;DR
The equation for chemical potential in solids and what each part means.
There is the equation:

μ= Eu +Eg/2 +3/4kβTln(mu/mc)

Eg is the band gap, but I don't understand what Eu stands for and how we can calculate it? Could it be the valence band?
 
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##\mu## is the chemical potential of electrons in a semiconductor.
##E_u## is the energy at the top of the valence band.
 
Last edited:
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