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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conversion factor from cm-1 to eV, with participants seeking clarification on the appropriate conversion method and its application in different contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for the conversion factor from cm-1 to eV.
  • Another participant references Ashcroft and Mermin's "Solid State Physics" as a source for the conversion factor.
  • A participant mentions a conversion factor of 1 = 1.932 keV-Angstroms.
  • Some participants note that cm-1 and eV measure different physical quantities, suggesting the need for context in the conversion.
  • One participant explains that in the context of optical conductivity, inverse length is often used to signify a corresponding energy scale, relating to experimental measurements of "k".
  • A participant cites a standard conversion from Ashcroft and Mermin: 1 eV = 8.065 × 103 cm-1.
  • Another participant highlights a discrepancy between their conversion factor and the one from Ashcroft and Mermin, attributing it to different definitions of "k" and "p".

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conversion factors and their applications, indicating that multiple competing views remain without a clear consensus on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying definitions and contexts for the terms used, such as "k" and "p", which may affect the conversion factor applied.

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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