Fermi Gas model & Nanostructures

Question 1

Define the smallest diameter of a nanoparticle which is confining an electron.

Answer 1

Half the wavelength of the electron.

Question 2

What happens to energy levels in smaller materials?

Answer 2

They are more spaced out.

Question 3

Define Kubo’s gap.

Answer 3

A metal can transform into an insulator at 0K. A specific T is required to excite electrons into empty energy states.
Kubo’s gap is T required to ensure conductance:
kT = 4E_f/3N