Electron scattering in the Brillouin zone boundary

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SUMMARY

Electron scattering at the Brillouin zone boundary involves the transition from traveling waves to standing waves, leading to strong backscattering due to the periodicity of the wave being commensurate with the lattice. This phenomenon can indeed contribute to electrical resistance, similar to electron-phonon scattering at non-zero temperatures. For a deeper understanding, the recommended texts include "Solid State Physics" by Ashcroft and Mermin and "Introduction to Solid State Physics" by Charles Kittel, which are standard undergraduate resources.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Brillouin zones in solid state physics
  • Familiarity with electron scattering mechanisms
  • Knowledge of wave-particle duality and standing waves
  • Basic concepts of electrical resistance in materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of Brillouin zones and their significance in solid state physics
  • Learn about electron-phonon scattering and its effects on electrical resistance
  • Explore the principles of wave-particle duality and standing wave formation
  • Read "Solid State Physics" by Ashcroft and Mermin for comprehensive insights
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Students and professionals in solid state physics, materials scientists, and anyone interested in the mechanisms of electron scattering and its implications for electrical resistance.

Rzbs
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TL;DR
What exactly happen when an electron reach a Brillouin zone boundary?
I what to know what is electron scattering in Brillouin zone boundary?
What exactly happen for electron in Brillouin zone boundary; what happen for it in real space and what happen for it in reciprocal space?
And is electron scattering from a Brillouin zone boundary could be a source for resistance; I mean like electron-phonon scattering that cause resistance at not zero temperature?
Thanks for your help
 
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I recommend the one dimensional nearly free electron case as a vehicle to understanding. Near the edge of the Brillouin Zone, traveling waves give way to standing waves as the preferred solution...this can be described as "strong backscattering". because the periodicity of the wave is commensurate with the lattice . ( If you know optics this is similar to a multilayer notch interference filter )
 
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Thanks
So what about the second part of my quetion, "is electron scattering from a Brillouin zone boundary could be a source for resistance; I mean like electron-phonon scattering that cause resistance at not zero temperature?"
If yes; how? If not why?

And what is the best simple book for understanding this subject in details you suggest?

(And I must say I am not familiar with optics very much, unfortunately)
 
The answer to your question is yes it could but it becomes complicated. I recommend for solid state physics Ashcroft and Mermin or Kittel; there are many others that I am sure are adequate. These are standard undergraduate texts and I don't know any simpler texts.
 
Thanks
 

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