The electronic energies and wave-functions of metals
Author(s)
Hubbard, John
Type
Thesis
Abstract
The plasma oscillation theory of Bohm and Pines represents a big advance in the theory of electron gases. Its main application has been to obtain an understanding of correlation phenomena in the conduction bands of metals, Bohm and lines in their original work dealt only with the special case of the free electron gas. The work described in this thesis is mainly concerned with investigating the way in which their results are modified when one is dealing with the conduction electrons of metals. Two distinct methods main body of the thesis of attacking this problem are described in the One of these uses Bohm and Pines * formal lam together with the effective mass theory developed by various authors It is shown that provided certain effects can be neglected this approach yields a theory of conduction electrons similar to Bohm and Pines free electron gas theory, Unfortunately some of the effects neglected have turned out to be Important, The other method depends upon developing the plasma oscillation theory In rather a different manner from that used by Bohm and Pines, This approach recognises the close connection between the plasma oscillations and the dielectric properties of electron gases. It avoids some of the awkward features of Bohm and Pines* formalism but has the disadvantage as originally developed of being a semi-classical theory rather than a proper quantum mechanical treatment. In a series of three papers submitted as subsidiary matter it has been shown how, starting from first principles, it is possible to construct a theory of plasma oscillations which is of the same character as the dielectric theory. This in itself is a complete theory of plasma oscillations applicable to the conduction electrons of metals and free from the difficulties of Bohm and Pines* formalism.
Version
Open Access
Date Awarded
1958
Advisor
Jones, H.
Publisher Department
Department of Physics
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)