Operator calculus in the electron theory of metals
- 9 October 1940
- journal article
- Published by The Royal Society in Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A. Mathematical and Physical Sciences
- Vol. 176 (965) , 214-228
- https://doi.org/10.1098/rspa.1940.0087
Abstract
An operator calculus is developed applicable to problems in the electron theory of metals. It differs from the common operator calculus of the quantum theory in the fact that the wave function is defined in a finite space (the atomic polyhedron) bounded by a finite surface. This leads to the introduction of surface operators. The position operator x cannot be developed with respect to the proper functions of the Hamiltonian. Instead an operator ξ is introduced, which is essentially the Fourier development of x. Thus there are three fundamental types of operators: the differential operator p, the multiplication operator ξ and the surface operators. It is shown that with the help of these a consistent calculus can be developed.Keywords
This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit:
- On the Constitution of Metallic SodiumPhysical Review B, 1933
- XXIV.—The Life-history and Cytology of Reticularia Lycoperdon BullTransactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, 1928