Simplified models for electron-phonon interactions in materials: insights from theory and experimental data

Abstract

Understanding electron-phonon interactions is crucial for optimizing materials. This study investigates electron-phonon interactions in a specific material using Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy (ARPES) and focuses on the self-energy analysis. The self-energy quantifies the interaction between electrons and phonons, influencing the material’s electronic properties. Comparing the results obtained from the Debye and constant models, the constant model demonstrates superior performance, highlighting the significance of optical modes in determining the self-energy. When the material exhibits multiple peaks in its Eliashberg spectral function, we observe a strong correlation between peak positions in the Eliashberg spectral function and the real part of the self-energy. These findings provide valuable insights for designing materials with tailored electronic properties, particularly in superconducting applications. Such advancements have significant implications for various fields, including electronics, energy storage, and renewable energy.