Fermi Energy in Quantum physics
Recently, the Fermi energy has attracted attention due to the wide range of everyday practical applications driven by the principles of quantum physics in various fields.
Quantum Physics:
- Quantum physics is the branch of physics that deals with the behavior and properties of the smallest particles of matter and energy, such as atoms, electrons, photons, and quarks.
- Quantum physics shows that these particles can behave in strange and surprising ways, such as being in two places at once (superimposition), tunneling through obstacles, or entangling with each other over long distances.
- Quantum physics also explains how atoms and molecules form the basis of all matter and how light and other electromagnetic waves are generated and interact with matter.
- Quantum physics affects daily life through electronics, computing, lasers and optics. It enables technologies such as MRI for medical imaging and improves renewable energy systems.
- Quantum cryptography ensures secure communications, while materials science and nanotechnology benefit from quantum principles.
Fermi Energy:
- The Fermi energy is the energy of the highest occupied state of electrons in a material at absolute zero temperature (-273º C or 0K).
- The Fermi energy determines the electron velocity in conduction, since only electrons with energies close to the Fermi energy can participate in the conduction process.
- Metals such as copper, aluminum and silver exhibit high Fermi energies even at very low temperatures.
- The Fermi energy and harmonic behavior of electrons controlled by quantum mechanics are responsible for various properties of metals, including their reflectivity, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity.
Significance for quantum physics:
- The Fermi energy represents the wave nature of matter and the discrete energy levels of electrons.
- The Fermi energy determines various physical properties of matter, including electrical and thermal conductivity, heat capacity, magnetism, and superconductivity.
- The Fermi energy is relevant in natural phenomena and in technological applications such as stars, nuclear reactions, lasers, transistors, and solar cells.
Source – The Hindu
