Fraction of electrons within kT of fermi energy?

In summary, the statement on the website discusses the behavior of electrons in a metal at finite temperature, where only a small fraction of them are within the thermal energy range of the Fermi energy. This is due to the Pauli principle. To derive the equation for this fraction, one can compare the Fermi function at finite and zero temperature and consider the difference within a window of size kT around the chemical potential. This window, multiplied by the density of states at the Fermi energy, can give an estimate of the number of active electrons at finite temperature. The most precise formulation involves the difference between distribution functions that can be used to calculate physical observables at different temperatures.
  • #1
Dawei
30
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I was reading this website, and I don't understand this last statement.
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/solids/fermi.html

It reads: "Since only a tiny fraction of the electrons in a metal are within the thermal energy kT of the Fermi energy, they are "frozen out" of the heat capacity by the Pauli principle."

Does anyone know how I could derive the general equation for that fraction that is within kT of the Fermi energy?
 
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  • #2
The basic idea is to consider the difference between the Fermi function [tex] f(E) = (\exp{(\beta(E - \mu))} + 1)^{-1} [/tex] at finite temperature and zero temperature. The quantity [tex] f_{T \neq 0 } - f_{T = 0} [/tex] is only non-zero as a function of energy within a window of size kT around the chemical potential. So only electrons within an energy window of size kT around the Fermi energy are perturbed by a finite temperature. The energy window kT times the density of states at the Fermi energy gives a rough estimate of the number of electrons active at finite temperature. The most precise formulation is just in terms of the difference between the distribution functions that you can use to compute all physical observables as a function of temperature.

Does this help?
 

1. What is the concept of "Fermi energy" in relation to electrons?

The Fermi energy is the highest energy level occupied by electrons in a material at absolute zero temperature. It represents the maximum energy that an electron can have and still be in the highest occupied state.

2. How is the fraction of electrons within kT of Fermi energy calculated?

The fraction of electrons within kT (thermal energy) of the Fermi energy can be calculated using the Fermi-Dirac distribution function, which takes into account the energy level and temperature of the material.

3. Why is the fraction of electrons within kT of Fermi energy important in materials science?

This fraction provides information about the distribution of electrons in a material and can be used to understand its electronic and thermal properties. It is also important in determining the electrical conductivity and heat capacity of a material.

4. Is the fraction of electrons within kT of Fermi energy the same for all materials?

No, the fraction of electrons within kT of Fermi energy varies for different materials depending on their electronic structure and temperature. Materials with a high density of states near the Fermi energy will have a higher fraction of electrons within kT compared to materials with a lower density of states.

5. How does temperature affect the fraction of electrons within kT of Fermi energy?

As temperature increases, the thermal energy kT also increases, resulting in a larger fraction of electrons being within kT of the Fermi energy. This can lead to changes in the electronic and thermal properties of a material, such as an increase in electrical conductivity and heat capacity.

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