Nearly free electron model

<p>In <a href="/facts/Solid-state_physics/Cmc6hvyR">solid-state physics</a>, the nearly free electron model (or NFE model and quasi-free electron model) is a <a href="/facts/Quantum_mechanics/BRc3Mzgr">quantum mechanical</a> model of physical properties of <a href="/facts/Electron/L0KBo5cW">electrons</a> that can move almost freely through the <a href="/facts/Crystal_structure/bJ4bCeHd">crystal lattice</a> of a solid. The model is closely related to the more conceptual <a href="/facts/Empty_lattice_approximation/HC7WLefB">empty lattice approximation</a>. The model enables understanding and calculation of the <a href="/facts/Electronic_band_structure/W5o7oE2R">electronic band structures</a>, especially of <a href="/facts/Metal/PT8hNX6R">metals</a>.
</p><p>This model is an immediate improvement of the <a href="/facts/Free_electron_model/vIyhQHfK">free electron model</a>, in which the metal was considered as a <a href="/facts/Fermi_gas/D00lFTqW">non-interacting electron gas</a> and the <a href="/facts/Ion/3bePpDna">ions</a> were neglected completely.
</p>

Nearly free electron model open-in-new

Nearly free electron model