What Are the Calculations Behind Electron-Phonon Scattering in Copper?

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    Debye Scattering
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculations related to electron-phonon scattering in copper, specifically focusing on determining the Fermi and Debye temperatures, exploring scattering wave relations, and clarifying the meaning of the wavelength in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the Fermi and Debye temperatures using provided equations and numerical values for copper. They explore the relationship between scattering wave vectors and energy changes during phonon interactions. Questions are raised about the interpretation of the wavelength in this context and how it relates to their calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaged in clarifying the calculations and concepts involved. Some have expressed uncertainty about specific terms and relationships, while one participant has indicated progress by referencing the Bragg Condition, suggesting a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be a lack of consensus on the interpretation of certain terms, such as the meaning of wavelength in relation to the scattering process. The original poster's calculations and assumptions are also under scrutiny, indicating a need for further exploration of the underlying physics.

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Homework Statement

(a) Find fermi temperature and debye temperature. Calculate them for copper.
(b) Show the scattering wave relation
(c) What does ##\lambda## mean?

2014_B6_Q2.png

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



Part(a)
The fermi temperature and debye temperature is given by:
T_F = \frac{\hbar^2 (3n \pi^2)^{\frac{2}{3}}}{2m_e k_B}
\theta_D = \hbar (6 \pi^2 n)^{\frac{1}{3}} \frac{c}{k_B}

For copper: ##a = 3.5 \times 10^{-10} m##, ##\theta_D = 231 K##, ##\T_F = 5.5 \times 10^4 K##.

Part(b)
k^{'} = (1-\delta)k_F
E^{'} = (1-\delta)^2E_F

I suppose the phonon gains energy by scattering, so ##E_{ph} = \Delta E = E^{'} - E_F##.
E_{ph}= E^{'} - E_F = E_F \left( 1 - (1-\delta)^2 \right)
k_{ph} = \left(1 - (1-\delta)^2 \right)^{\frac{1}{2}} k_F
k_{ph} \approx \left( 1 - \frac{1}{2} (1-\delta)^2 \right) k_F
\frac{k_{ph}}{k_F} \approx \frac{1}{2}(1 + 2\delta)

Substituting in, LHS
= \frac{1}{2} \frac{1 + 2\delta}{2\delta} \frac{1}{k_F}
= \frac{1}{2}(1 + \frac{1}{2\delta}) \frac{1}{k_F}
\approx \frac{1}{4\delta k_F}

How is this ##\approx \lambda##?

Part(c)
Not sure what this "wavelength" means.
 
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Would appreciate any help on this problem, many thanks in advance!
 
bumpp
 
bumpp
 
Ok, I got this question done. Key is to use the Bragg Condition: ##\vec k^{'} + \vec k_{ph} = \vec k + \vec G##.
 

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