Electron-Phonon interaction, is it like gravity?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the electron-phonon interaction and its relation to the formation of Cooper pairs in superconductivity. It is established that when an electron moves through a lattice, it distorts the lattice structure, creating regions of varying charge density, which can lead to the formation of Cooper pairs. The analogy to gravity is explored but clarified that electron-phonon interaction is contingent upon electron movement, unlike gravity, which acts on mass regardless of motion. The conversation highlights the need for a deeper understanding of both electron-phonon interactions and Cooper pairs, especially for those with limited physics background.

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Physicists, materials scientists, and educators explaining superconductivity concepts to individuals with a background in biology or chemistry.

calvinjhfeng
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For my understanding of electron-phonon interaction is that when electron moves across a lattice, it distorts charges and it leads to a higher density of positive charge at an instance of a second.

As the electron leaves the region of high positive charge, another electron will jump into replace its spot and through this interaction, it creates a bonding of the two electron which then it would become a cooper pair.

Is that the correct picture?

Can we imagine it to be like how mass distorts space-time, while here, electrons distort lattice structure and creates region of low potential?
Actually that doesn't seem right, electron-phonon interaction seems to only work when electrons are moving right? When mass sits still, gravity still plays...

I am trying to explain electron-phonon interaction to bio/chem people with little physics background. I personally don't know enough about phonons. So please help me.

Thank you.
 
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You appear to have taken this a step further. You are not just describing the electron-phonon interaction, but trying to explain something similar to the Cooper Pairs, whereby 2 electrons are in a bound state of each other mediated by the electron-phonon interaction. This is a "special case", and not all electron-phonon interaction results in such a situation.

So what are you really trying to explain to the "bio/chem people"? The e-p interaction, or the formation of Cooper Pairs?

Zz.
 
Yeah basically I am trying to explain cooper pair to people, like I want to tell them how the mechanism is involved. However, even myself don't really understand how does cooper pair stick together over long distance.

I would like to know more about e-p interaction too, if it has other application.
 

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