The wave vector in 1st B.Z in Bloch theory

In summary, the general wave vector q in the proof of Bloch theorem in Ashcroft Mermin is represented by k-K instead of the usual vector form of q=k+K. This is because both k and K can take positive and negative values, covering all possibilities. The choice of k-K simplifies the math and there is no difference in the proof. It is simply a matter of preference.
  • #1
pallab
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TL;DR Summary
why q=k-K
why the general wave vector q (in the proof of Bloch theorem in Ashcroft Mermin) is represented by k-K, where k is in the 1st BZ ? why not q=k+K ( usual vector form) what is special about k-K?
 
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  • #2
What's the difference ? k and K can take both positive and negative values so all the possibilities are covered. You choose the definition which simplifies the math
 
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  • #3
no difference but I was thinking maybe k-K is the conventional one rather than k+K to use in this case or maybe there is "something special" with the k-K choice.
 
  • #4
No, there is nothing special. When you derive Bloch theorem just start by defining a new vector G = -K and then you get to define q as k+G but the whole proof remains the same. It's a matter of taste.
 
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What is the wave vector in 1st B.Z in Bloch theory?

The wave vector in 1st Brillouin Zone (B.Z) in Bloch theory refers to the vector that describes the periodicity of the crystal lattice in a solid material. It is used to describe the behavior of electrons in a crystal lattice and is an important concept in understanding the electronic properties of materials.

How is the wave vector related to the energy of electrons in a crystal lattice?

The wave vector is directly related to the energy of electrons in a crystal lattice through the energy-band structure. The energy of electrons is determined by the wave vector and the potential of the crystal lattice. As the wave vector changes, the energy of the electrons also changes, leading to different energy levels and energy bands.

What is the significance of the 1st B.Z in Bloch theory?

The 1st Brillouin Zone is the first region in the reciprocal lattice of a crystal that contains all the information about the electronic properties of the material. It represents the smallest unit of the crystal lattice in reciprocal space and is used to study the electronic behavior of materials.

How is the wave vector calculated in Bloch theory?

The wave vector is calculated using the Bloch wave function, which describes the behavior of electrons in a periodic potential. It is a combination of a plane wave and a periodic function, and the wave vector is determined by the periodicity of the crystal lattice and the energy of the electrons.

What is the relationship between the wave vector and the crystal momentum in Bloch theory?

The wave vector and the crystal momentum are closely related in Bloch theory. The crystal momentum is defined as the product of the wave vector and Planck's constant, and it represents the momentum of the electron in the crystal lattice. As the wave vector changes, the crystal momentum also changes, leading to different energy levels and properties of the material.

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