Relaxation of the binding energy of electrons with phonons in metals

Abstract

The relaxation of the electron energy on the lattice fluctuations in metals is studied. The energy distribution of the electrons and phonons over states is considered to be equilibrium, so that it can be described by the Fermi and Bose functions correspondingly. An analytical formula for loss of electronic energy per unit time required to start acoustic oscillations of a lattice is obtained. It is shown that the magnitude of the power absorbed by the lattice is determined by the Debye and lattice ratios as well as by the ratio of the lattice and electron temperatures.