Is is possible to find unoccupied states below fermi energy?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Unoccupied states below the Fermi energy can exist, particularly in semiconductors. At absolute zero (T=0K), the Fermi level is defined as the highest occupied energy state in metals, meaning all states below it are typically filled. However, in semiconductors, the Fermi level lies between the conduction and valence bands, allowing for the presence of holes, which are unoccupied states in the valence band. This distinction is crucial for understanding electronic properties in different materials.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fermi energy and its significance in solid-state physics
  • Knowledge of semiconductor physics, including conduction and valence bands
  • Familiarity with the concept of holes as unoccupied states in semiconductors
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics, particularly at absolute zero temperature
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of Fermi energy in metals versus semiconductors
  • Explore the concept of holes in semiconductor physics
  • Learn about the electronic band structure of materials
  • Investigate temperature effects on Fermi level and occupancy of states
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, materials science, and electrical engineering who are studying electronic properties of materials, particularly in the context of semiconductors and metals.

arierreF
Messages
78
Reaction score
0
Is is possible to find unoccupied states below fermi energy??

Or all states below fermi energy are always occupied?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
arierreF said:
Is is possible to find unoccupied states below fermi energy??

Or all states below fermi energy are always occupied?

At T=0K, in a metal, it is DEFINED as the highest occupied energy state.

So what you are asking is whether we can negotiate our definition.

Zz.
 
no, it is not possible
 
arierreF said:
Is is possible to find unoccupied states below fermi energy??

Or all states below fermi energy are always occupied?

Yes, It is possible. In a semiconductor the Fermi level is usually between conduction and valence band and we can have hole (unoccupied state) in valence band.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Fermi energy definition and Fermi-Dirac distribution
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad What is the Meaning of the Fermi Energy?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Thermal Properties of the Free Electron Gas: Fermi-Dirac Distribution
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Undergrad Fermi Energy Calculations About Non Parabolic Dispersions
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate Conductance of an interacting quasi one dimensional wire
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Relation between electronic band structure and Fermi energy
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Fermi-Dirac distribution, when does it break?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Undergrad The Mystery of the Fermi Surface & Semiconductors
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Charge carrier density: Hall experiment vs Fermi-Dirac statistics
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Graduate What is the Fermi level in semiconductors?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
6K