= Electronic heat capacity
{title2=$C_{\mathrm m}^{\rm el}\simeq\gamma T$}
<Electronic heat capacity> is the contribution from electronic excitations to <heat capacity>. A simple normal <metal> with a smooth <density of states> near its <Fermi energy> has $C_{\mathrm m}^{\rm el}\simeq\gamma T$ well below its <electron Fermi temperature>. Only a narrow <energy> interval near the <Fermi energy> changes occupation on heating, explaining the small fraction of active <Electrons>. The <Debye T-cubed test> separates this contribution from lattice <phonons>. Interactions, a <superconductivity> transition or other electronic structure can invalidate a constant $\gamma$ description.
Back to article page