The low-temperature electrical resistivity of bismuth

Abstract

Reports a detailed and precise measurement of the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity of bismuth in the region 1.1<T<100K. Below 1.5K the authors have found a surprising departure from the previously observed T 2 behaviour. Many proposals have been advanced to explain the observed low-temperature resistivity but no single mechanism is found to be compelling. Experiments at lower temperatures and a comprehensive theory of the resistivity are needed.