The electron–phonon interaction in simple metals

Abstract

The ingredients necessary for a good description of the electron–phonon interaction in simple metals are discussed from the point of view of lattice dynamics and electron transport. Exchange and correlation effects in the electron gas are summarized and it is concluded that the local density approximation is satisfactory, as is Rasolt's formula for the vertex function. Particular emphasis is laid on the importance of nonlocality in the pseudopotential and it is pointed out that only Na can be adequately described by a local psuedopotential. Finally the calculations performed at NRC are summarized and it is concluded that they give a good description of electron transport in the alkalis.