In solid-state physics crystal momentum or quasimomentum is a momentum-like vector associated with electrons in a crystal lattice. It is defined by the associated wave vectors of this lattice, according to
(where is the reduced Planck's constant). Like mechanical momentum, crystal momentum is frequently conserved, making it useful to physicists and materials scientists as an analytical tool.
Read more about Crystal Momentum: Lattice Symmetry Origins, Physical Significance
Famous quotes containing the word crystal:
“We have ... a thirst unquenchable, to allay which he has not shown us the crystal springs. This thirst belongs to the immortality of Man.... It is no mere appreciation of the Beauty before us—but a wild effort to reach the Beauty above.”
—Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849)
Related Phrases
Related Words