Density of states

Density of states (DOS) describes how many unique energy levels are available for particles (like electrons) within a material at each energy value. It essentially indicates the number of ways particles can occupy different energies, influencing properties like electrical conductivity and optical behavior. A high DOS at a specific energy means many states are available there, making it easier for particles to occupy those energies. Conversely, low DOS means fewer options. Understanding DOS helps scientists predict how materials will perform in various applications, such as semiconductors, metals, and insulators.