Concepts: Bloch's Theorem

Bloch's Theorem is a principle in physics that describes how electrons move in a crystalline material, such as a metal or semiconductor. It states that the electrons' wave-like behavior in a periodic crystal lattice can be expressed as a wave multiplied by a repeating pattern matching the crystal’s structure. This means electrons can move through the lattice without being localized, which explains how electrical conductivity occurs in solids. In essence, the theorem provides a mathematical way to understand and predict electron behavior in materials with regular, repeating atomic arrangements, forming the foundation for solid-state physics.