Plotting the solution of the central equation using python

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around plotting the band gaps in a solid using Python, particularly after introducing a periodic potential term into the energy equation. Participants explore the implications of periodic potentials on electron wave functions and the resulting band structure, referencing models such as the Kronig-Penny model.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares a Python code intended to visualize band gaps in a solid, indicating that the introduction of a periodic potential should create separations in energy at certain k values.
  • Another participant suggests that the model does not adequately account for the effects of lattice periodicity on electron wave functions, recommending the study of the Kronig-Penny model.
  • A participant questions whether the choice of potential function affects the emergence of band gaps, specifically asking if a square wave potential is necessary for this effect.
  • Further contributions provide a derived dispersion relation, suggesting a two-step process for determining k values based on chosen energy values.
  • Participants express confusion regarding the absence of the Kronig model in the referenced book, questioning whether the book presents an alternative approach or lacks depth in its explanation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the adequacy of the initial model or the necessity of specific potential forms for demonstrating band gaps. Multiple competing views regarding the interpretation of the energy equation and the role of periodic potentials remain evident.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the assumptions made in the original model and the definitions of the potential functions used. The discussion also highlights potential limitations in the referenced book's treatment of the topic.

patric44
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hi guys

i was trying to came up with a basic code that could show me the band gaps in a solid after adding the periodic potential term to my solution :
$$ E = \frac{ħ^2q^2}{2m} \pm Vg $$
where Vg is my periodic potential , q is the k values in the first billion zone
from my understanding if i set the potential = 0 , i will get the normal parabolic dispersion for the free electron model , but once i introduce the potential it will create a separation at certain values of k which will indicate the forbidden gaps .
i tried to create that in python :
[CODE lang="python" title="the plot of energy values with a periodic potential function"]from scipy import signal
import numpy as np
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import matplotlib.style
import matplotlib.colors
m = 1
ħ = 1
G = 50
K = 200
E1 = []
E2 = []
E3 = []
x1 = []
x2 = []
x3 = []
def energy1(q):
erg1 = ((ħ**2 * (q-G)**2 )/(8*m))+ np.cos(q)
return erg1
def energy2(q):
erg2 = ((ħ**2 * q**2 )/(8*m))+ np.cos(q)
return erg2
def energy3(q):
erg3 = ((ħ**2 * (q+G)**2 )/(8*m))+ np.cos(q)
return erg3

for z in range(-K,K):
x1.append(z)
E1.append(energy1(z))
for z in range(-K,K):
x2.append(z)
E2.append(energy2(z))
for z in range(-K,K):
x3.append(z)
E3.append(energy3(z))
plt.plot(x1,E1,'r')
plt.plot(x1,E2,'g')
plt.plot(x1,E3,'b')
plt.axvline(x=G)
plt.axvline(x=-G)
plt.grid()
plt.show()[/CODE]

and it gives that :
brillo.png

i was just trying to see the effect of basic periodic function like the sin , but there is no gaps! ,
i must be missing something or doing something wrong ?
any help will be appreciated , thanks
 
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Your model doesn't properly provide for how the periodicity of the lattice effects the electron wave function. Try studying the Kronig-Penny model, for example here, Electron in periodic lattice.
 
Fred Wright said:
Your model doesn't properly provide for how the periodicity of the lattice effects the electron wave function. Try studying the Kronig-Penny model, for example here, Electron in periodic lattice.
i don't understand what you mean ? do you mean that the potential function that i picked will not give arise
to a band gap at the zone bounders , ( is it must be a square wave like the Kronig-Penny model ?!)
my solution was taken from this book :
model.png

how would i modify this code to show the band gap at the zone boundaries ?
 
patric44 said:
how would i modify this code to show the band gap at the zone boundaries ?
In the link I provided the following dispersion relation is derived,$$
\cos (ka)=\cosh (\alpha a)+P\frac{\sinh (\alpha a)}{\alpha a}\\
\alpha^2 =\frac{2m| E |}{\hbar^2}\\
P=\frac{mV_0 ba}{\hbar^2}$$where ##a## is the lattice constant, ##b## is the width of the well, and ##V_0## is the depth of the well. Your algorithm must pick an E value for the r.h.s. of the equation, then take the arccosine and divide by ##a## to determine the corresponding k. It's a two step process, choose ##E## then compute ##k##.
 
Fred Wright said:
In the link I provided the following dispersion relation is derived,$$
\cos (ka)=\cosh (\alpha a)+P\frac{\sinh (\alpha a)}{\alpha a}\\
\alpha^2 =\frac{2m| E |}{\hbar^2}\\
P=\frac{mV_0 ba}{\hbar^2}$$where ##a## is the lattice constant, ##b## is the width of the well, and ##V_0## is the depth of the well. Your algorithm must pick an E value for the r.h.s. of the equation, then take the arccosine and divide by ##a## to determine the corresponding k. It's a two step process, choose ##E## then compute ##k##.
thanks for helping , but i have a question :
why the paper from the book that i provided doesn't mention this , i mean the book just says
$$ E=\frac{ħ^2q^2}{ 2m} \pm Vg $$
why the book didn't mention the kronig model , does the book has another approach or it was just being
very hand wavy about it ?!
 
patric44 said:
thanks for helping , but i have a question :
why the paper from the book that i provided doesn't mention this , i mean the book just says
$$ E=\frac{ħ^2q^2}{ 2m} \pm Vg $$
why the book didn't mention the kronig model , does the book has another approach or it was just being
very hand wavy about it ?!
I don't have your book so I can't answer your question. I suspect that the chapter you are studying introduces Bloch's theorem but stops short of deriving a dispersion relation for a particular model...maybe in a subsequent chapter it will.
 

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