Do Different Quantum Numbers Allow Energy Bands to Overlap?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of energy band overlap in solid-state physics, specifically addressing whether energy bands with different quantum numbers can overlap. It is established that energy bands can overlap due to the proximity of atoms and their respective energy levels, without violating the Pauli exclusion principle. The overlap occurs when bands originating from different energy levels of a single atom share the same energy, but not the same quantum numbers. The wave vector, akin to momentum, is highlighted as a crucial quantum number in this context.

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  • Understanding of energy band theory in solid-state physics
  • Familiarity with quantum numbers, including energy levels and wave vectors
  • Knowledge of the Pauli exclusion principle
  • Basic principles of atomic structure and electron behavior
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abdullahbameh
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How Can Energy Band Over Lap?!

MY question is when i read energy band over lap i thought it is coming because of the huge number of atoms and the small distance between them but is it possible that energy bands of different energy bands get over lap and they are have different quantuam numbers?
and what does happen to the energy lap when it get over lapped with another energy band?
 
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It is "Energy band" overlap not "Energy" overlap, so it is ok when the bands--which origin from different energy level from a single atom -- overlap,:). So, don't worry about the Pauly exclusion principle, these bands of energy levels will re-allocate the specific energys
 
Not exactly sure if I get the question, but I'll give it a try. Energy is not the only quantum number. Another -and closely related- quantum number is the wave vector (akin to momentum). If you take a look at the 2nd diagram on http://www.doitpoms.ac.uk/tlplib/semiconductors/images/bandsoverlappingnolabels.jpg
you'll see an example of what I think you meant by an energy band overlap (particle physicist here, so I am not familiar with the solid state physics terminology). As you can see, there is regions for the two bands that have the same energy, respectively. However, there is no point where any two points in the different curves had the same coordinates/quantum numbers (E,k). The Pauli principle only forbids double-occupation of states that are equal in all quantum numbers.
 

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