Electrons in solids

Abstract

Electron energy bands in solids are introduced. Free electron theory for metals is presented: the Fermi gas, Fermi energy and temperature. Electrical and thermal conductivity are interpreted, including the Wiedermann–Franz law. The Hall effect and information it brings about charge carriers is discussed. Plasma oscillations of conduction electrons and the optical properties of metals are examined. Formation of quasi-particles of an electron and its screening cloud are discussed. Electron-electron and electron-phonon scattering and how they affect the mean free path are treated. Then the analysis of crystalline materials using electron Bloch waves is presented. Tight and weak binding cases are examined. Electron band structure is explained including Brillouin zones, electron kinematics and effective mass. Fermi surfaces in crystals are treated. The ARPES technique for exploring dispersion relations is explained.