Conversion from cm^{-1} to eV - Ask Here!

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SUMMARY

The conversion factor from cm-1 to eV is established as 1 eV = 8.065 × 103 cm-1, as noted in Ashcroft and Mermin's "Solid State Physics." Additionally, a conversion factor of 1 = 1.932 keV-Angstroms was mentioned, highlighting the distinction between different measurement contexts. The difference in factors arises from whether one uses the wave number (k) or momentum (p) in calculations, with k defined as 1/lambda and p as 2pi/lambda.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of energy units, specifically electron volts (eV) and reciprocal centimeters (cm-1)
  • Familiarity with concepts of wave number and momentum in solid-state physics
  • Access to Ashcroft and Mermin's "Solid State Physics" for reference
  • Basic knowledge of optical conductivity and its relevance in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between wave number (k) and momentum (p) in solid-state physics
  • Explore the applications of cm-1 and eV in optical conductivity studies
  • Study the conversion of energy units in different physical contexts
  • Review the relevant sections in Ashcroft and Mermin's "Solid State Physics" for deeper insights
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on solid-state physics, optical conductivity, and energy unit conversions.

carlo
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Hi to everybody;

I wanted to ask: which is the factor of conversion from cm^{-1} to eV?

Thank you!
 
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carlo said:
Hi to everybody;

I wanted to ask: which is the factor of conversion from cm^{-1} to eV?

Thank you!

I'll ask this first so that you know where to look. Do you have Ashcroft and Mermin's "Solid State Physics" text? It is listed in the table on the inside back cover of the book.

Zz.
 
not here

thanks
 
A number I use is that 1=1.932 keV-Angstroms.
 
It might help to give more information! Since "reciprocal of centimeter" and "electron volt" measure quite different things, I assume you are talking about a very specific application.
 
HallsofIvy said:
It might help to give more information! Since "reciprocal of centimeter" and "electron volt" measure quite different things, I assume you are talking about a very specific application.

In optical conductivity area of study, it is very common to talk in inverse length to signify a corresponding energy scale. This is because from experiment, the value of "k" (either crystal momentum, electronic momentum, or wave number) falls out naturally from measurement.

Zz.
 
So if you look in Ashcroft and Mermin, the standard "conversion" here is

1 eV = 8.065 \times 10^3 cm^{-1}

Zz.
 
The AM number and mine differ by a factor 2pi.
That is because mine is for k=1/lambda, with k in cm^-1,
and AM is for p=2pi/lambda with p in cm^-1.
You have to decide whether you are using k or p.
 

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