The nearly free electron model is a more advanced model for understanding the electronic structure of solids. Kittel presents a detailed analysis of this model, which assumes that the electrons in a solid can be treated as nearly free particles with weak periodic perturbations. The nearly free electron model provides a powerful framework for understanding the behavior of electrons in metals, enabling the calculation of important properties such as the Fermi surface and the electronic specific heat.
Wannier, G. H. (1937). The structure of electronic energy bands in crystals. Physical Review, 52(11), 831-836.
The Kronig-Penney model is a classic example of a one-dimensional periodic potential, which is used to illustrate the application of the Bloch theorem. Kittel presents a thorough analysis of the Kronig-Penney model, demonstrating how it leads to the formation of energy bands and the concept of Brillouin zones. The Kronig-Penney model provides a simple yet instructive framework for understanding the electronic structure of solids, highlighting the importance of periodicity and the emergence of energy gaps. quantum theory of solids kittel pdf
Ashcroft, N. W., & Mermin, N. D. (1976). Solid state physics. Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
Kittel begins by introducing the free electron model, which posits that the electrons in a solid can be treated as non-interacting particles moving in a periodic potential. This model is a crucial starting point for understanding the behavior of electrons in solids, as it provides a simple yet powerful framework for describing the electronic structure of metals. The free electron model is based on the Sommerfeld theory, which assumes that the electrons in a metal can be described using the Fermi-Dirac distribution. Kittel derives the key results of the free electron model, including the density of states, the Fermi energy, and the electronic specific heat. The nearly free electron model is a more
Kittel, C. (2018). Introduction to solid state physics. John Wiley & Sons.
Kittel devotes considerable attention to the concept of energy bands and Brillouin zones, which are essential for understanding the electronic structure of solids. Energy bands represent the allowed energy levels of electrons in a solid, while Brillouin zones are the regions of reciprocal space where the energy bands are defined. Kittel explains how the energy bands and Brillouin zones are constructed, highlighting their significance for understanding the behavior of electrons in solids. Wannier, G
Kronig, R. de L., & Penney, W. G. (1931). Quantum mechanics of electrons in crystal lattices. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London A, 130(814), 499-513.