Now we must look more carefully at the wave properties of the electrons in the periodic potential of the lattice of atoms, to find out the story on conductors, insulators and semiconductors. There are two ways: 1. Start with free atoms and calculate what happens when N atoms are brought close together. (this is done in the book.) 2. Start with free electrons, calculate the solutions in a periodic potential.
Now we must look more carefully at the wave properties of the electrons in the periodic potential of the lattice of atoms, to find out the story on conductors, insulators and semiconductors. There are two ways: 1. Start with free atoms and calculate what happens when N atoms are brought close together. (this is done in the book.) 2. Start with free electrons, calculate the solutions in a periodic potential.
- Free atom atomic levels with quantum numbers (n,l) are split up into N levels by the effects of distant atoms. N>>ɭ, so consider them a continuous band., labeled by (n,l). Example Na: n=3, l=0.