Solid State Physics
Fermi Dirac Probability Function:
Every energy level may be or may not be occupied by the electrons at T. The Fermi
dirac distribution function governs the distribution of electrons among the energy levels
as function of temp.
Where EF is known as Fermi energy level. Fermi energy level can be defined as the
uppermost filled energy level in a conductor at 0K. Correspondingly, Fermi energy is
defined as maximum energy that a free electron can have in a conductor at 0K
Case 1: T = 0 K
The above result implies that the occupancy of Fermi level at 0K ranges from zero to
one
Case 2: T > 0 K
(i) At T > 0K, if we consider an electron at Fermi level, then
E = EF.
(ii) At T > 0 K, E > EF.
Probability of electrons becomes greater than zero (0 to 0.5)
(iii) At T > 0 K, E < EF.
Probability of electrons becomes less than unity (0.5 to 1)
Nearly free electron theory and Origin of band gap:
The behavior of electron moving in a periodic potential produced by regularly arranged
positive ion cores is analyzed which is known as nearly free electron model.
In solid state physics, the nearly free electron model (or NFE model) is a quantum
mechanical model of physical properties of electron that can move almost freely
through the crystal lattice of a solid. The model is closely related to the more conceptual
empty lattice approximation.
• Simple approximation: treat electrons as free to move within the crystal
• Atomic s-electrons are delocalized due to overlap of outer orbits.
• Crystal looks like positive ion cores of charge + e embedded in a sea of conduction
electrons
• Conduction electrons can interact with each other and ion cores but these interactions
are weak
The parabolic relation between E as a function of the wave number, k.. But in nearly
free electron it is interrupted at bragg’s values of k. The energies corresponding to the k
values are forbidden for electrons.
Classification of solids on the basis of band theory:
Band theory of solids can explain the conductivity of conductors, insulators and
semiconductors on energy gap between the bands.
A solid contains a large number of atoms closely packed together. In an isolated atom
the electrons are tightly bound and have discrete, sharp energy level (1s,2s,
2p,3s,3p,3d,….so on). Each of these energy levels can hold a finite number of electrons
with different magnetic and spin quantum numbers. A given atom has some of these
levels filled and some empty depending on the total number of electrons associated with
the atom.
For example, an atom of carbon has six electrons out of which 2 electrons is in 1s, 2
electrons in 2s and 2 electrons in 2p levels. However 2p level can hold 6 electrons out
of which 4 levels are empty. When two atoms are brought closer, the orbits of outer
electrons overlap and hence the electrons are interacting.
This results in shifting and splitting of each energy level into two energy levels. This
splitting of energy levels is depending on the inter atomic distance between the atoms.
If more and more atoms are brought closer, more and more closely spaced energy levels
are formed. In a solid of N atoms each main energy level splits into a band of N closely
spaced energy levels. The levels are so close, the energy separation between the
successive levels in an allowed band is of the order of 10-27eV.
The width of the energy band depends on the extent of overlapping of orbits. Hence the
outer band is very wide. As we go to inner energy levels or orbits the width of the energy
bands decreases. The energy bands are spread by gaps called ‘forbidden energy gap’.
The splitting of energy levels and the energy bands at equilibrium inter atomic distance
are shown in figure.
