Sommerfeld Expansion & Chemical Potential

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the Sommerfeld expansion to analyze the temperature dependence of chemical potential in a system. The user employs the formula for charge density, represented as n=\int^{+\infty}_{-\infty} \rho(\epsilon)n_Fd\epsilon, leading to the expression n=\int^{\mu}_{0} \rho(\epsilon)d\epsilon +\frac{\pi^2}{6}(k_BT)^2\frac{d\rho(\epsilon)}{d\epsilon}|_{E=\mu}. The user encounters difficulty incorporating the chemical potential term, specifically the (\mu-E_F)\rho(\epsilon) component, but resolves the issue by recalling the Taylor Series expansion. This highlights the importance of mathematical techniques in theoretical physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Sommerfeld expansion
  • Familiarity with Fermi-Dirac statistics and the Fermi function (n_F)
  • Knowledge of charge density and its mathematical representation
  • Proficiency in Taylor Series and its applications in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the Sommerfeld expansion in statistical mechanics
  • Explore the implications of chemical potential in thermodynamic systems
  • Learn about Fermi-Dirac statistics and how it relates to charge density
  • Investigate the use of Taylor Series in approximating functions in physics
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, graduate students in physics, and researchers focusing on statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, particularly those interested in the behavior of systems at varying temperatures.

RicardoMP
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Hi!
I'm trying to show how the chemical potential depends on the temperature and I'm advised to use the Sommerfeld expansion. I'm using it on the density of charge n=\int^{+\infty}_{-\infty} \rho(\epsilon)n_Fd\epsilon, which gives n=\int^{\mu}_{0} \rho(\epsilon)d\epsilon +\frac{\pi^2}{6}(k_BT)^2\frac{d\rho(\epsilon)}{d\epsilon}|_{E=\mu}.
After having a hard time trying to insert a term with a \mu in it, I searched on google and found the following excerpt that I uploaded. I don't understand the second paragraph and how it gives the (\mu-E_F)\rho(\epsilon) term.
Thank you for your time.
 

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RicardoMP said:
Hi!
I'm trying to show how the chemical potential depends on the temperature and I'm advised to use the Sommerfeld expansion. I'm using it on the density of charge n=\int^{+\infty}_{-\infty} \rho(\epsilon)n_Fd\epsilon, which gives n=\int^{\mu}_{0} \rho(\epsilon)d\epsilon +\frac{\pi^2}{6}(k_BT)^2\frac{d\rho(\epsilon)}{d\epsilon}|_{E=\mu}.
After having a hard time trying to insert a term with a \mu in it, I searched on google and found the following excerpt that I uploaded. I don't understand the second paragraph and how it gives the (\mu-E_F)\rho(\epsilon) term.
Thank you for your time.
Nevermind! Taylor Series, duh! xD
 

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