Abstract
Electron-phonon scattering in the solid alkalis is distinguished from that in most other metals by a combination of three circumstances: The phonon spectra and structure factors are very anisotropic, the Fermi surface in the reduced zone is simply connected and virtually spherical and important large momentum transfers (0.7<(q/2k F)<1.0) fall within the first large peaks of the phonon structure factors. Anisotropy of microscopic contributions to the macroscopic coefficients is controlled by and is quite sensitive to values of electron-ion matrix elements at large momentum transfer, and can be explored by a realistic yet relatively simple theoretical calculation. A brief summary is presented of such calculations, for the all alkalies, of mean free paths, thermoelectric powers, and electron-phonon mass enhancements. The results show marked anisotropy only for lithium, are consonant with experimental low field Hall coefficients and in addition indicate strong anisotropy in the mass enhancement for lithium.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Robinson, J.E. Anisotropy of electron-phonon interactions in alkali metals. Phys kondens Materie 9, 31 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02422528
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02422528