Understanding Band Gap Models in Statistical Mechanics: Qualifying Exam Practice

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the application of band gap models in statistical mechanics, specifically regarding Fermi-Dirac statistics and the calculation of total particles and energy in a system with a defined density of states. The total number of particles is expressed as N = X A, while the total energy U is derived from integrals involving the density of states and the Fermi-Dirac distribution. The Fermi energy at absolute zero is identified as A, and the discussion highlights the challenge of calculating the chemical potential at low but non-zero temperatures, ultimately recommending the use of the Sommerfeld Expansion for accurate results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fermi-Dirac statistics
  • Familiarity with density of states in statistical mechanics
  • Knowledge of integrals involving exponential functions
  • Concept of chemical potential and Fermi energy
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Sommerfeld Expansion for low-temperature approximations
  • Explore advanced topics in statistical mechanics related to band theory
  • Learn about the implications of chemical potential in different temperature regimes
  • Investigate numerical methods for evaluating integrals in statistical mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for qualifying exams in physics, researchers in statistical mechanics, and anyone interested in the theoretical aspects of band gap models and Fermi-Dirac statistics.

Allday
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Hey folks,

studying for the qualifying exam and i wanted to run this by the forum. A model system has a density of states
g(E) = X for 0 < E < A
g(E) = 0 for A <= E <= B
g(E) = Y for B < E

the total number of particles in the system is given by N = X A.
Now this looks like a very simple model of a band gap. The first part of the problem asks us to consider particles that obey fermi-dirac statistics.
The first question asks for expressions for the total number of particles and the total energy. so we have

<br /> N = \int_0^{\infty} g(E) f(E) dE<br />

<br /> N = \int_0^{A} \frac{X dE}{e^{(E - \mu)/kT} + 1} + <br /> \int_B^{\infty} \frac{Y dE}{e^{(E - \mu)/kT} + 1}<br />

<br /> U = \int_0^{\infty} E g(E) f(E) dE<br />

<br /> U = \int_0^{A} \frac{X E dE}{e^{(E - \mu)/kT} + 1} + <br /> \int_B^{\infty} \frac{Y E dE}{e^{(E - \mu)/kT} + 1}<br />

Im fine with this much. Next part asks for the fermi energy as the temperature goes to 0. I know that the chemical potential at T=0 is equal to the fermi energy. and in this case it seems obvious that the fermi energy is A given that N = X A.

The third part is what I am having a bit of trouble with. We are asked to calculate the chemical potential at low but non-zero temperature. Now remember these problems are meant to be done without the use of calculators or integral tables. I see that I need to evaluate the integral for N and solve for the chemical potential. I can see a way to do it if i assume that T is low that

<br /> e^{(E - \mu) / kT} &gt;&gt; 1<br />

then the 1 in the denominator can be neglected but that is like switching to a classical distribution which doesn't make sense in a low temperature limit. Any help would be appreciated.
 
Last edited:
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hey mod

can you move this thread to the problem help section? It might get some more attention there.
thanks
 
Last edited:
Found the answer and figured Id post it here in case anyone was interested. It is indeed not correct disregard the 1 in the denominator and use the classical distribution function. Instead one makes a power series expansion in the variable epsilon - mu. The is called the Sommerfeld Expansion if anyone wants to look at references.
 

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