Dispersion Curves and Lattice Frequency Distribution of Metals

Abstract

A lattice-dynamical 3-constant model for metals is presented. The treatment takes complete account of the symmetry requirements of the lattice. The influence of conduction electrons is considered through the screening of the long-range Coulomb interaction between ions. The theory is used to calculate dispersion curves, frequency spectra, and lattice specific heats of Li, Na, and K. For sodium, good agreement is found with the dispersion curves obtained from measurements of the inelastic scattering of slow neutrons.