Density of States: 1-Dim Linear Phonons & Electrons Differences

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the density of states for one-dimensional linear phonons and electrons, focusing on the similarities and differences in their calculations. Participants explore the implications of the Pauli exclusion principle and the derivation of density of states in the context of solid state physics.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a formula for the density of states for phonons and electrons, suggesting that the two cases are similar but differ due to the Pauli exclusion principle allowing two electrons in one state.
  • Another participant questions the initial claim regarding the Pauli exclusion principle, indicating a misunderstanding about the occupancy of electron states.
  • A clarification is made that the factor of two in the electron case accounts for different spin states (up and down), which is relevant to the density of states calculation.
  • One participant requests further details on the derivation of the density of states to better understand the initial claims.
  • A follow-up post reiterates the desire to calculate the number of phonon states in a specific range of K-space, providing a formula for this calculation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the application of the Pauli exclusion principle and its implications for the density of states. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus on the correctness of the initial claims or the derivation process.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the treatment of spin states and the derivation process for the density of states are not fully articulated, leading to potential gaps in understanding. The discussion also reflects a dependence on definitions and interpretations of the Pauli exclusion principle.

cozycoz
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I'm to get the density of states of 1-dim linear phonons, with N atoms. I think it's a lot similar to that of 1-dim electrons, except that two electrons are allowed to be in one state by Pauli exclusion principle. To elaborate,

##dN=\frac{dk}{\frac{2π}{a}}=\frac{a}{2π}dk## for phonons,

##dN=2⋅\frac{dk}{\frac{2π}{a}}=\frac{a}{π}dk## for electrons.

But in Kittel's solid state physics, the latter is described as a phonon case. What's wrong with my procedure?
 
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cozycoz said:
I'm to get the density of states of 1-dim linear phonons, with N atoms. I think it's a lot similar to that of 1-dim electrons, except that two electrons are allowed to be in one state by Pauli exclusion principle. To elaborate,

##dN=\frac{dk}{\frac{2π}{a}}=\frac{a}{2π}dk## for phonons,

##dN=2⋅\frac{dk}{\frac{2π}{a}}=\frac{a}{π}dk## for electrons.

But in Kittel's solid state physics, the latter is described as a phonon case. What's wrong with my procedure?
Are you sure ? My understanding is that two electrons are not allowed to be in one state by the Pauli exclusion principle
 
Mentz114 said:
Are you sure ? My understanding is that two electrons are not allowed to be in one state by the Pauli exclusion principle
?
I meant two electrons with two different spin types..up and down. That's why we should multiply 2 in electron case. What I calculated by ##\frac{dk}{\frac{2π}{a}}## is spatial part, not including spin part.
 
cozycoz said:
What's wrong with my procedure?
Hard to say if you don't post how you derived the density of states.
 
DrClaude said:
Hard to say if you don't post how you derived the density of states.
okay

I want to get how many phonon states(dN) are in [K, K+dK] in 1d K-space. For a state occupies small length ##\frac{2π}{a}## by periodic boundary condition,
##dN=\frac{dK}{\frac{2π}{a}}##.
 

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