Homogeneous Dynamical Conductivity of Simple Metals

Abstract

Within the jellium model the zero wave vector, frequency-dependent conductivity is expressed in terms of a regular memory function. This quantity is calculated in lowest order in the impurity concentration and the electron-phonon coupling, thus yielding a reasonable approximation for the conductivity valid in the complete frequency regime. The standard results for the static conductivity including vertex corrections are reproduced. Deviations from Drude's formula a because of spin-flip scattering in a magnetic field, because of resonance scattering, because of phonon creation at low temperatures, and because of breaking of the screening cloud attached to charged impurities are discussed.