jelliummodellen

The jellium model, also known as the uniform electron gas model, is a simple and fundamental theoretical model used in condensed matter physics to describe the behavior of electrons in a metal. The model treats the positively charged ions in a metal as a uniform, positively charged background, or "jellium," which neutralizes the overall charge of the system. This approach allows for the simplification of complex interactions within a metal, focusing primarily on the electron-electron interactions and the overall electronic structure.

In the jellium model, the electrons are considered to move freely within this uniform positive background, interacting with each other through Coulomb forces. This simplification enables the application of quantum mechanical principles to study the electronic properties of metals, such as their energy levels, density of states, and response to external perturbations. The model is particularly useful for understanding the collective behavior of electrons, such as plasmons, which are quantized oscillations of the electron density.

The jellium model was first introduced by Edward Teller in 1936 and has since been refined and extended by numerous researchers. Despite its simplicity, the model provides valuable insights into the electronic properties of metals and has been instrumental in the development of more sophisticated theories. It is widely used in theoretical and computational studies of materials, particularly in the field of density functional theory (DFT), where it serves as a reference system for understanding and predicting the properties of real materials.

While the jellium model has its limitations, such as the neglect of the discrete nature of ions and the assumption of a uniform electron density, it remains a powerful tool for understanding the fundamental behavior of electrons in metals. Its simplicity and theoretical elegance make it an essential concept in the study of condensed matter physics.