FERMI – DIRAC DISTRIBUTION FUNCTION

Statement
It is an expression for the distribution of electrons among the energy
levels as a function of temperature, the probability of finding an electron
in a particular energy state of energy E is given by

1
F(E) =
⎛ E − EF ⎞
1 + exp ⎜ ⎟
⎝ K BT ⎠

Where, EF - Fermi energy (highest energy level of an electron)

KB - Boltzmann’s constant
T - Absolute temperature

Effect of Temperature on Fermi Function

Case 1:
AT =
0 K and E < EF
1 1
=
1 + exp (-∞) 1 + 0
F(E) =
F(E) = 1= 100 %
It means that 100% probability for the electrons to occupy the energy level
below the Fermi energy level.
Case 2:
AT = 0 K and E > E F

1 1 1
F(E) = = = =0
1 + exp (∞) 1 + ∞ ∞
Case 3 :
At T > 0K and E = EF
1 1 1
F(E) = = = = 0.5
1 + exp (0) 1 + 1 2
F(E) = 0.5 = 50%
It means that 50% probability for the electrons to occupy the Fermi energy
level. (above Fermi energy level are empty and below Fermi energy level are filled).
At 0 K energy states above E F are empty and below E F are filled.

(a)At T=0K (b) at T>0K

Fermi Dirac distribution function

Fermi level, Fermi Energy and their importance

These are defined as the highest energy level filled by the electrons in that energy
level with higher energy values.
Fermi level : The Fermi level is the highest reference energy level of
a particle at absolute zero.
Importance : It is the reference energy level which separates the filled
energy levels and vacant energy levels.
Fermi energy (EF) : The Fermi energy is the maximum energy of the quantum
state corresponding to Fermi energy level at absolute
zero.
Importance : Fermi energy determines the energy of the particle at
any temperature.